Massdrop x Alex Cavalli Liquid Carbon X Amp

Jan 2, 2020

Not only will the noise floor be higher when using single ended, but the overall signal strength that it is amplifying will be lower. Generally speaking, balanced connections are going to be rocking between 2x and 4x the voltage of single-ended, and this directly is reflected in the quality of sound produced by the balanced drive. Single-ended works, but frankly, sucks compared to what you get fully balanced. If possible, drive balanced amps with a balanced signal. It is what they're primarily designed for. Also when possible, use balanced headphones with a balanced amp. It is also what they're primarily designed for.

Jan 2, 2020

Faynecan i use an xlr to 1/4 adapter to get the output power of the xlr?

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Jan 2, 2020

DamianSzOnly if you’re using a balanced source. Otherwise you lose 50% of the voltage by not having the negative signal.

Jan 2, 2020

Faynewhat do you mean by that? i would have a microusb from my pc to a dac, dac to LCX via rca, then xlr output of LCX into an adapter, then the 1/4inch of my headphones into the adapter. thanks for the help btw

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Jan 2, 2020

DamianSzOH! I thought you meant 1/4" to XLR3 for source signal. No, you do not *ever*(!!!!!!!) want to convert the balanced output from the XLR4 to single-ended. You will likely damage your amp irreparably by bridging the L and R - (negative) channels. Just use the 1/4" socket. If you want the balanced power, get or make a cable, or get cans that come with one.

Jan 2, 2020

Fayneoh ok gotcha thank you. what are those xlr to 1/4 adapters made for then?

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Jan 2, 2020

DamianSzDepends on the type of XLR -> 6.35mm (1/4") adapter. For XLR3: If it is a TRS pinout on the 6.35mm (1/4") adapter, expect it is just converting the balanced signal from XLR3 to 6.35mm TRS. This format is used a lot in pro-audio. This is always safe. If it is a TS pinout on the 6.35mm adapter, expect it is converting the XLR3 to single-ended 6.35mm TS out, or the reverse. This is "usually" safe. But some amps totally shit the bed if you pull an unbalanced load off of a balanced port. For XLR4: If it is a TRS pinout on the 6.35mm adapter, expect it is converting the balanced XLR4 signal to single ended TRS. This works on some amps, but is fairly dangerous if you don't know how the amp is designed.

Jan 2, 2020

Fayneok, thank you for being so descriptive. a "1/4 TRS-F to XLR M Adapter" would apply for the last case right? do you know if that would work for this amp?

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Jan 2, 2020

DamianSzThat won't work for what you want. You won't gain any extra power doing the conversion from balanced to unbalanced. Just use the 1/4" (6.35mm) socket on the amp until you get headphones or a cable that supports balanced drive. :) If you need more single-ended power than the LCX can push, have a look at the THX 789.

Jan 2, 2020

Fayneok thank you. do you think this amp is at all worth it for 160 just for the SE output? thx is out my budget by far. i have a 6xx and x00

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Jan 2, 2020

DamianSzIt is a nice amp. If all you had was cans that didn't support balanced, its worth would be questionable. But... HD6xx are extremely easily upgraded to a balanced cable. If you're lucky enough to have purchased the TR-x00 (the removable cable version) instead of the TH-x00, you can also source balanced cables. Cables for the HD6xx run from $35-$200 on amazon. In the mid price range, I've had good luck with the FanMusic cables. On the cheaper side... NewFantasia cables sound fine, but are incredibly stiff and microphonic. If you're handy with a soldering iron, making a cable for the HD6xx costs ~$10-50 depending on how high of quality materials you're using. I don't own the TH-X00, so I'm not sure how hard it is to do the cables for them. So, I'd suggest get the amp while it is a really good price, then do the cables a few months down the road when $$ is more available. :)

Jan 2, 2020

Fayneunfortunately its the thx00, but thats fine ill just run it from the 1/4 inch. would you say the approx 100cad is worth it for balanced cables? are there any other benefits besides low distortion?

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Jan 2, 2020

DamianSzLow distortion, high drive power, and generally more detail. Especially so if the DAC -> AMP connection is XLR3 balanced. Single ended shares the ground channel between the left and right. That shared ground means that theoretically (and I guess in practice) what is happening on one channel can impact the other. Balanced means that both left and right get a dedicated + and - channel, and are able to do much larger voltage swings. Additionally, that isolation between the channels means that both channels can go bonkers without impacting the other. $100 CAD seems about right for mid-grade audiophile cables, that'd be about $80 USD.

Jan 2, 2020

Faynewhat dac would you recommend that is xlr3 balanced and not expensive?

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Jan 2, 2020

DamianSzOn the cheap side, the Drop x Grace SDAC Balanced. On the somewhat more expensive side the SMSL M500. I like and use them both, but the m500 is better (and supports MQA).

Jan 2, 2020

Fayneoh ok, thanks. would it be a big difference if i just used rca from my dac? the sdac balanced is out of stock and the m500 is hella expensive

Jan 2, 2020

DamianSzIt'd be a difference. Not *HUGE*, but noticeable (at least to me). When I'm using single ended sources I generally have to turn the volume up a smidgen. If it isn't in your budget, don't beat yourself up over it. It is something that is easily added down the road. :)

Jan 2, 2020

Fayneok thank you so much for all the help i really appreciate it

Jan 2, 2020

DamianSzYou're quite welcome. :)

Rick_Russ

Apr 3, 2020

FayneThoughts on stacking with a CTH+SDAC (unbalanced)? I'm assuming that I won't notice a difference unless there is a significant reduction in noise, so I shouldn't spend the $200 (and hopefully DROP will release a balanced CTH+SDAC).

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Apr 3, 2020

Rick_RussThe LCX should stack just fine with the CTH+SDAC. You won't get the benefit of having a balanced source, but it still sounds good enough to me. Mind you, I run balanced everywhere I can, but I did test a bunch of configurations for the fun of it when my LCX, CTH, and 789 first arrived. The LCX will still sound a bit cleaner, drive balanced cans better, and support a wider range of cans and IEM than the CTH. Of course, it gets better when driven balanced, so you have an easy upgrade path if you're so inclined. I'd personally be surprised if they did release a balanced CTH. Happily surprised, but still surprised. The closest thing to a balanced CTH we're likely to see is the Monoprice Cavalli Liquid Platinum, and that is $800 MSRP.

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amiga505

Nov 6, 2020

FayneI will venture to propose Loxjie P20 as a budget option for a balanced hybrid amp. Yesterday I replaced the stock tubes with GE JAN-5670W and replaced the stock power supply to slightly more powerful one as recommended here: https://forum.hifiguides.com/t/tube-rolling-on-the-loxjie-p20/2250/15 I consider myself a beginner, so do not have a great reference framework, but yesterday for the first time I was like 'WOW!' lots of joy! Cans are Drop Meze 99 with replacement pads from BrainWavz, hybrid ones to tune the base down a touch (although I think I am ready to try full velour, it's still slightly boomey for me), obviously connected via balanced cable. DAC is SMSL SU-8, streaming Tidal. Zeus in his review said that Loxjie is nothing special if run SE, but quite another thing when run balanced, and having listened to both setups I concur.

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Nov 6, 2020

amiga505Agreed. The P20 is by far the best hybrid tube amp under $100 usd. I slapped a pair of 6n3p-dr in mine and found it pretty great for gaming. Very cold and analytical. The biggest problem is that cans under 45Ω tend to frequency shift. That said, I bought all my friends a P20 for xmass last year, and they all been rather happy.

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DrNima

Dec 18, 2019

The noise floor will be higher than balanced. To me noise floor sounds like the canvas the music is painted on. Very low noise floor and it's perfect black. Higher and you get muddyness for a canvas.

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Drop+Audiophile

3398

Official

Nov 6, 2019

What are the advantages to getting this and stacking them?

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Jan 2, 2020

More toys in less space. Example:

Nov 6, 2019

Is the output pre-amp or passthrough?

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