Question about RD160 balanced and rca outputs

ROSE Products RD160
#1

Hi @ROSEHAN

I want to use the RD160 as a preamp to power my monoblocks through xlr outs and a subwoofer through rca outs at the same time. However, if connecting the sub to rca out, will it then galvanically connected the cim modules of the left and right channel, then unbalancing and degrading the sound quality for the xlr output? Like connecting both simultaneously can tie the cold leg or negative phase to the RCA ground line, loading down the circuit and degrading the fully balanced common-mode noise rejection?

#2

Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry, and for your interest in the RD160.

We checked with our hardware engineering team, and you can use the XLR and RCA outputs at the same time without any degradation in performance.

On the RD160, the two outputs are configured as separate domains:

  • XLR (fully balanced): HOT (+V), COLD (-V), and GND (signal reference ground)
  • RCA: signal line and its own signal ground (RCA GND)

Because the RCA ground is not tied to the XLR COLD (Pin 3), connecting a subwoofer to the RCA output will not load down the COLD leg or affect the output voltage of the XLR output. The balanced operation of the XLR output to your monoblock amplifiers is maintained.

For reference, asymmetrical operation or a change in output voltage would occur if the RCA ground were connected to XLR Pin 3 (COLD), for example through an adapter or cable wired that way.

Best regards,

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