Hello,

A bit of a newbie here.

What is the difference between balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA?) connections?

It seems that some higher-end compnents (both amps and sources) have XLR components, but the majority of them have RCA ones. What does the "balancing" get you (theoretically or practically)?

Thanks for any info.

I am trying to make a decision about the surrounds in my 5.1 home theater setup. I currently have infinity 250 loudspeakers and an infinity c25 center channel. After doing some research I am finding bipole/dipole surrounds.

Will there be a great benefit in having bipole/dipole versus a simple bookshelf speakers for my surrounds?

Will these Polk FXi3's match up with my Infinity Loudspeakers well?

Your responses to my last post have inspired something of an analogue renaissance for me!
They have also allowed me to work out a few things.....

I have extended my budget (bonus just come in!) so that I can afford a well set up local dealer sourced (used) LP12 and I will put in the work needed to maintain the table.

My dilemma is choice of tonearm....

I'm new to the preamp world, been using integrated systems forever. I'm looking into a preamp as an option before I upgrade.

I will be using the amp with a pair of LINN 5140 and a Vandersteen subwoofer. I will also be running a rega p3 or p5 phono as well.

So far I've been pointed in the direction of the VTL TL 2.5 or Modulus 3A as "budget" refence preamps, or the VTL 5.5 as a step up.

Any good advice on these two or comparably prices ($1500 - $2500) preamps that would be viable options?

Thanks in advance!

MAF

Pretty cool timing, to get a January issue when you should, like near January, unlike other magazines where you are like into March issue already. John, why no letters from mfg., from AVA. There really should be a clarification on just what ckts are in the Hafler Pro 500's chassis. Looks like the wire ad from Crystal was inadvertently LEFT IN. 2 page big ad of a piece of wire. They don't even do that stuff in Electrical Contractor, or ECM magazine. And those trade publications are all about wires, plugs, connectors, and how to use em. I thought StereoPhile was about audio equipment?

First off, let me just say, Robert (Baird), I really enjoyed the story (Aural Robert - "Love and/or Marriage") about the record store. And I hope your wife is as forgiving as mine.

Happy Holidays! Good to see Jim Tavegia and Cheapskate still here. I'm back after nearly a year of being unplugged from various audio fora. But... as they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Except, perhaps, the fact I've been smitten with thermionic valves over the course of my absence and have jumped ship from solid state. And, of course, my non-audiophilic friends think I'm even crazier than ever.