[waculjr.903]

I have the Onkyo 806 which I have been happy with except for the lower pre amp levels. I had to buy a ART cleanbox to hook up my QSC RMX 2450 amp for my sub. I have come across a excellent deal on the 8003 that I can not ignore. So I have the upgrade-itus again. Can anyone that owned one tell me all the good stuff about their Marantz and also, how the xlr levels matched up with pro audio amps. Did they push the pro amps normally to clipping stage matching the rest of the audio without any problems? I have heard that the XLR route is the absolute cleanest way to patch equipment together so to not get the hum from ground loop.

 

[tcarcio]

Don't know if it helps but when I had my SR5006 it still needed the cleanbox for my main and surround channels to make my external amps work to their potential. I also had to use a Samson s-convert, which for some reason they don't make anymore, for my sub amp. I have not heard anything about Marantz changing their voltage output of their pre outs or sub outs. Give Marantz a call to find out for sure, They have alway's been helpful for me when I needed info. Good luck....:T

 

[waculjr.903]

The 5006 has the RCA pre amp outputs, which needs the converter box for the lack of output to the amp. The 8003 has both RCA and XLR outputs. I am hoping that it is a perfect match to any amp that I would care to use, like the B+k's XLRs and my pro amp for subwoofer. Which is my QSC RMX 2450. I know that the QSC needs 1.4v input to this amp for full use of the power of the amp. The B+K, I m not sure, couldn't find that spec. But you would think so being their used in the same marketplace , unlike the QSC.

 

[tcarcio]

Well if the 8003 has the XLR outputs I would think you would be all set.

 

[tonyvdb]

XLR (balanced) is no "cleaner" than RCA (un balanced) as far as signal quality. Where XLR shines is long runs as it has the extra voltage to push the signal farther without loss. For equipment close it makes 0 difference. In your case eliminating the cleanbox could result in a better signal but it all depends on the quality of the cleanbox to begin with.
XLR is by default a higher signal voltage so you will be good to go.

 

[Glen B]

There is good reason why manufacturers like Balanced Audio Technology (BAT), Atma-Sphere Music Systems, Classé, Krell, Lamm, etc. are proponents of (true) balanced operation, even with short cable runs. To quote engineer Ralph Karsten, owner of Atma-Sphere Music Systems in a preamp thread on another forum, “A common myth is the idea that the length of cable has something to do with why you would want to go balanced. The truth is that balanced operation exists for the sole reason of eliminating cable artifacts. It does not matter how long the cable is. Although it is true that balanced lines are lower noise, that is only the tip of the iceberg. Internally balanced preamps are inherently lower distortion and lower noise for a given amount of gain.” So, true balanced operation is not just about immunity from noise on long cable runs, but about lower noise and distortion within equipment of such design as well. Ralph would know what he is talking about. The products he has designed have garnered many reviewer awards from the top audio publications over the years.

 

[tonyvdb]

Glen, although I agree with what you say the issue is that everything in the signal chain must be balanced in order to benefit from the added signal quality. Most consumer end equipment is unbalanced and in reality if you use good quality unbalanced cables there is no real audible difference when using reasonable lengths.

 

[Glen B]

Glen, although I agree with what you say the issue is that everything in the signal chain must be balanced in order to benefit from the added signal quality.

I concur.

 

[Mike P.]

The Marantz AV8003 has 1 volt output for unbalanced and 2 volts output for balanced.