Is running an optical cable to the SU-8 then balanced XLRs to the SP200, and then a balanced cable to the LCD2 Classic theoretically should give you the best sound quality right?
I’m currently looking at the SU-8 and the SP200, and I wanted to run balanced even though apparently it doesn’t make an audible difference, but I just wanted the best theoretical sound from running balanced. Are there any suggestions for a different amp around the same price that’ll run balanced?
Also, I think I read somewhere that the SP200 isn’t actually balanced is that true?
I mean that would be a pretty decent setup imo, but personally I’m not the biggest fan of the sp200 in this case, it will have plenty of punch and impact, but would lack in naturalness, presentation, and spatial recreation imo. Personally in the same range I would prefer something like an asgard 3 with the lcd 2c. Also dac wise I would probably also say if you don’t mind usb grabbing something like an allo revolution dac imo that would be pretty solid (and very flexible sound wise). While this signal chain wouldn’t be balanced, imo it would offer a more satisfactory experience than the sp200+su8. The only reason I would suggest you go with balanced is if you are making long runs of cable, or have extreme interference issues
Yes it’s not a differential amp, so it is converted to single ended inside the amp, which is why both the xlr and 1/4 inch outputs are similar. If you could stretch the budget a bit more you could get something like a monolith liquid platinum which is a really good match with the lcd 2 classic imo and is fully balanced, but generally in like the 200-300 range I think you end up paying a premium for balanced gear without noticable benefit tbh
The SP200 is as balanced as it needs to be. Don’t worry about that.
I started running this same combo in the spring. It was NOT kind to bright/brightish headphones. I did not like it with my Grado’s, Sundara’s or Elex’s. It was however amazing with my Fostex’s, but that was it.
I ended up moving on from that amp and still have the SU-8, which I really enjoy. I probably should move up in quality but I need the volume control for my high gain Liquid Platinum amp.
THX amps, at least this one, are not flat, neutral and clean as the PR would tell you. If you could swing a Liquid Platinum amp from Monoprice, I bet that would sound great with your Classic’s. And the SU-8 could help you run any very efficient gear on the LP.
Also maybe look at the Rupert Neve amp? Hopefully some actual LCD-2 Classics owners will chime in.
Also the potentiometer in the SP200 is the worst feeling potentiometer I have ever tried. No resistance when you are turning the volumeknob. There is also a lot of play in the volumeknob. If want the a good “measurement amp” get the THX 789, THX 887, or Mangius instread.
Literally no difference in sound / details between the THX 887 & SMSL SP200 (whatever is cheapest, buy). I’ve tried them both and currently own the SP200. I can see what you mean by no resistance in the volume knob on the SP200 - but that doesn’t effect it at all thankfully. It’s still very smooth when going up or down on the volume.
I feel like this is way blown over proportion. I was expecting channel imbalances, volume issues etc… my SP200 is flawless.