Superline: Using balanced cables between arm and superline input, using XLR>RCA adaptors. Advantage or not?

Posted by: vintageaxeman on 15 December 2017

I have a Superline. I also have a spare balanced tonearm cable.

Of course, the Superline has only Phono/RCA inputs.

But I have been reading about cartridges basically being balanced components.

So my question is: "Might it be an advantage to reduce interference (RFI, EMI and hum from nearby mains cables, by using a balanced cable between my arm and the Superline input, using an XLR>RCA adaptor into the rear of the Superline?"

Posted on: 15 December 2017 by james n

You're right in that the cartridge itself effectively runs balanced but, IIRC, the Superline is a single ended design rather than balanced so you won't gain anything using your spare balance tonearm cable and adapters.

If you're getting interference from nearby cables then looks to greater separation between the mains cables and the cable between your turntable and the Superline.

James

Posted on: 15 December 2017 by Adam Zielinski

Naim is does not run a balanced architecture.

In a domestic environment there is almost no advantage in running a balanced connector - cable runs are typically short.

Posted on: 15 December 2017 by yeti42

50Ω nickel BNC plugs are the connector of choice according to Phil Harris when I enquired.

Posted on: 16 December 2017 by vintageaxeman

Thank you for those replies. I'll stick with what I've got for the moment I think.