balanced to unbalanced

[oreo1]

The Digi002 rack takes balanced, 1/4 inch, TRS monitor cables. Its output is +4 dB. My samson amp takes 1/4 unbalanced cables. Its input is -10 dB. I don't have the money right now to buy a new monitor amp to match the digi002. I have tried both balanced and unbalanced cables and can't hear the difference. What do others with more experience suggest I do in this situation? i want to optimize what i already have.

[where02190]

Use unbalanced cables.
Reduce your output volume to compensate for the difference in sensitivity.

[ejames188]

I think the Rack also has RCA main outs as well. Wouldn't that work? It's easier than rewiring a new plug (which can be done.)
Eliott

[BenTerry]

You always want to use balanced cables whenever you can. These eliminate exterior sounds that could show up in your system. If you have your 002 plugged into the same generator as your TV or the Phone then you are at high risk of getting bleed just through the wall socket. Balanced cables will help eliminate a lot that. They do sound better but when you have an impedance mismatch then it doesn't really matter sonically but definately go balanced for the sake of eliminating as much noise from the outside world as possible.

[dubaifox]

They do sound better but when you have an impedance mismatch then it doesn't really matter sonically but definately go balanced for the sake of eliminating as much noise from the outside world as possible.

For every argument I have heard on this topic (as above), I have heard the counter one......."Use Unbalanced!! The floating wire picks up interference unless it is connected at both ends"

WHO KNOWS THE TRUTH!!

Maybe IDNMOFB (It Does Not Matter One Fu%$# Bit)

Who can say they really hear a difference between balanced and unbalanced cables going from balanced to unbalanced equipment. C'mon. (assuming they are of equal quality and equal length)

[where02190]

sinc ethe end result is unbalanced into your amp, there is NO benefit to using a balanced cable, as the neutral remains floating, and the connections is still unbalanced.
I believe the other poster is correct, there are unbalanced -10dbv rca connections you can use. simply use RCA to unbalanced 1/4" cables, you you'll be perfectly matched. Just keep the length under 15 feet.

[ejames188]

After thinking about it, are the RCA (unbalanced) outs on the 002R controlled by the volume knob on the front panel?

[dBHEAD]

Balanced connections only reject spurious RF when the line is balanced on both ends. The principle is usually called "common mode rejection" and the idea is pretty simple. In a nutshell, the signal is sent down two lines rather than one, except that the two signals are 180 degrees out of phase with each other. On the receiving end, whatever is "common" to both will be "rejected." Since the two signals sent from the source will be 180 degrees out of phase with each other, the only "common" signal will be RF interference (usually hum/buzz from A/C power lines) it will be eliminated. This is because the RF signals will NOT be out of phase with each other. In other words, as a cycle reaches a positive peak in one it will also be reaching a positive peak in the other. Thus, that amplitude will be "common" to both lines and will be rejected.

As far as the impedance mismatch, I believe you can get impedance matching transformers to "step down" the impedance from +4 to -10. These usually are simply XLR-to-RCA connectors with pads built in.

[where02190]

+4 to -10 converter.