Any reason the RB-1090 or RB-1080 ( I use both for Bi-amping ) drop about 6.5 db in voltage gain, when I used their balanced XLR over RCA inputs ? I was told by a person on another forum that the main reason is probably because it's not a true separate balanced design. circuit. Is that true ? Thanks.
-
-
I know my 1095 had shorting pins for the unbalanced connectors when using balanced cables, but I'm not seeing it mentioned in the manual.
I know the 1080 and 1090 have a balanced/unbalanced switch, but I wonder if you still need to pins.
Kevin D. -
No pins or anything on either. When I use XLR ( and tried 2 different cables ) signal drops a little. What's strange is that switch you mentioned which I have on both, that even when switched to XLR, if I move it to RCA, I still get some faint sound without having RCA cables connected at all, which means it's picking something from the XLR cables.>>>Comment
-
What pre-amplifier are you running?Originally posted by zeiter-JoeComment
-
Arcam FMJ - C31Originally posted by joetamaComment
-
The reason the XLR is 6.5 db down compared to the RCA input would be due to the source rather than anything to do with the RB-1090. Check the output level of the XLR from your pre-amp or source component, I'm guessing this is what is set lower.
JDH.
Originally posted by zeiterBits of HT & 2ch Stuff: Rotel, Pro-ject, Oppo, Bel Canto, Elektra Audio, Benchmark, Panasonic, DSPeaker, Epson, Slim Devices, Belkin, Philips Pronto, Harmony, URC, Sennheisser, AKG, HTPC under development, KEF, Whatmough, Definitive Technology & Pardigm Signiture speakersComment
-
That is what I was thinking...Originally posted by JDH
But, I don't know anything about the Arcam FMJ pre-amplifiers so I don't know...-JoeComment
-
I just googled for RB-1080 and RB-1090 voltage input, and came out with the following measured voltage input figures by some analyzer equipment:
RB-1090 Unbalanced 28.8db and balanced 22.0db
RB-1080 Unbalanced 28.4db and balanced 21.7db
Test was done on amps by different users. I also contacted this afternoon Rotel North America tech advice, just curious why I was still getting weak sound from the unbalanced inputs when I flip the switch, even without being connected at all, and only while having the balanced connected, and the answer I got was that same circuit is used for both balanced and unbalanced, so it's not a true balanced design. Not that I care if it's true or not, I was just trying to bi-amp and chose these 2 amps for having very similar gain, but turned out when I use the balanced, one amp drops 6 or 7 db, and then big difference in gain, and sound is not correct anymore, like adding treble or bass depending which amp is for highs or lows. Guess I'll revert to those db attenuators to bring them close.Comment
-
Use both as balanced, or use both as unbalanced, with "Y" cables from the preamp outputs.
You won't have the problem with the gain and you won't need the attenuators.There are some things which are impossible to know, but it is impossible to know which things these are. :scratchhead:
----JAFFE'S PRECEPTComment
-
Good idea, any advantage using balanced over unbalanced for a 3 feet cable run ? And any disadvantage of using " Y " ? Thanks.Originally posted by whoaru99Comment
-
Likely not.Originally posted by zeiter
None that I can think of. The inside the preamp, the balanced and unbalanced outputs are "Y"ed from the same source circuits. So, for all intents and purposes, you're simply going from an internal "Y" connection to an external "Y" connection.Originally posted by zeiterThere are some things which are impossible to know, but it is impossible to know which things these are. :scratchhead:
----JAFFE'S PRECEPTComment
-
Perfect. Thanks a lot.Comment
-
Just when I thought found solution, tried a Y custom made XLR, and still get more treble than needed. Both amps have same signal, very similar gain, actually treble amp has 0.4 db less input gain, yet treble is on bright side when hooked together. By the way speakers are Klipsch RF-83 towers. Is it possible that 200W is a lot for tweeters only even though I m respecting the same gain issue I tried reversing cables and using XLR on HF amp, and RCA on LF amp still it sounds on bright side. And by the way I borrowed an SPL from a friend and measured balanced and unbalanced sound levels on both amps. and they were identical. So what I googled as 6.5 db loss from some analysts I have no clue how they were done or probably more accurate equpment than an SPL. I went for that theory because I was using HF amp through RCA which made me believe the theory as I am getting more treble from that amp.Comment
-
Do you use a passive bi-amping, with 1080 up and 1090 down...?
I think this is not good solution. Passive bi-amping may reveal much more problems than benefits - this is commonly discussed topic on audio forums...
BTW, RB-1090 itself is far better amp than 1080. I used to own 1080 for two years, now I own the RB-1090, with the same preamp (RC-1090). No contest, particularly in clarity of presence region, highs etc...Comment
-
Yes passive bi-amping 1080 up and 1090 down. I'm beginning to be convinced that solution is not great. Just that I had both amps and wanted to find use for 1080 . Probably will sell it and stick with 1090.Originally posted by ZoranComment
-
Go ahead! This is the best you can do... Enjoy the RB-1090 - far the best Rotel, ever (including luxurious Rotel Michi power in contest)...Comment
-
I'm hoping someone can help me out. I'm contemplating getting a Rotel RSP 1582 preamp that has XLR outs so that I can connect my preamp to my amp using XLR's (balanced connection). Would it be possible to use RCA (unbalanced) out to connect my sub, a Vandersteen V2W, while at the same time connecting... -
What happens when pins 2 & 3 are reversed?
I’ve done a bit of a search and although I read some fantastic posts about balanced topology, I haven’t been able to find out what the consequences are if pins 2 & 3 are reversed.
My Moon P-5 pre amp through a Behringer... -
Hello
I hope someone can answer a couple of questions regarding the RC 1090 and the RB 1090 balanced connection switch...
What does the switch do ? why does the manual say that both balanced and unbalance connections should not be used at the same time ?
... -
Hello.
I am just about to take delivery of an SVS P2B+ subwoofer.
Currently I have a Parasound C2 pre-amp processor.
Connected to it are 7 mackie 624 active speakers.
These are connected to Balanced outputs XLR to XLR connectors.
... -
This may be an Anthem issue or a Parasound one, but I'm thoroughly confused about it. Here's the question:
I recently switched my interconnects for my system (Anthem AVM30, Halo A21 and A51 amps, plus Behringer BFD for the sub) from RCA to XLR. I dutifully switched the amps to 'Balanced'...
Comment