Question on connections Audiolab 8200CDQ

[Esra]

Hey guys,quik ?? on connections.The 8200CDQ has balanced and unbalanced outputs.I conntected my 8200CDQ via XLR (balanced) to mono amps.Can I use unbalanced outputs at the same time for e.x. two active subs?I tried with one sub and it works but I am unsure if I do harm on long term?Also I am unsure if I noticed some loss in soundquality since it sounded a bit brighter.Is this possible?

 

[unsleepable]

I'm afraid I can't give you a definite answer. But I remember reading somewhere that both outputs couldn't be used at the same time—although they didn't explain why, and I can't remember where.

The design is not internally balanced, but the balanced signal is generated at the output stage. That means that the RCA and XLR connections quite probably, and logically, share the op-amps or whatever there is at the output stage. But really, I don't have a clue.

Anyways, John Westlake who is one of the two people who designed the 8200CDQ, among other stuff for Audiolab and other vendors, is quite active at the PFM forum. He's been known to provide good insight about the products he has designed—even when support from Audiolab failed. I'd check the manual, contact Audiolab, and if everything else, try reaching out to JohnW there.

 

[Esra]

OK,just found this in PFM

JW:"We DON’T recommend using both the Balanced and RCA outputs at the sometime, on the CD, CDQ, DQ & MDAC etc, the Balanced and RCA are internally connected together (well at least the Positive signal is), this means that the Balanced Class A output stages are driving both sets of cables, and you will “unbalance” the XLR output with the RCA cable loading effects. As recommended in the user manual, only use one set of outputs at a time. No damage will be done; it will just degrade the audio performance."

Maybe helpfull for others.This subject is not written in my user manual.

BTW:Anybody knows if there is a firmwareupdate for the CDQ you can do via USB?