Balanced DAC -> 2x SE Portable Amplifiers as Balanced Mono-blocks?

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by BenjaminBore, Feb 27, 2017.

  1. BenjaminBore

    BenjaminBore Friend

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    I'm thinking of going crazy and getting a GO2A and a couple of 18v portable amps to drive my HD650, and preferably my HD800 if possible, when I'm away from my Mjolnir 2 w/LISST. I've already considered more sensitive headphones but they do not serve my needs. I want something with authority more like a desktop amp, enough power to deal with their impedance increase in the low frequencies to improve bass weight/slam, and power with reserves to EQ their sub-bass up to 12db.

    Can I wire up a pair of SE amps with adapters to the balanced output of a DAC and run each one as a balanced mono-block? For example R+/R- go to the L/R channels of one amp, and L+/L- go to L/R of the other. With adapters on the other end going separately to the L and R driver. This way the amplifiers don't touch electrically. But can they function without a ground signal? Will I just blow myself up?
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2017
  2. Grahad2

    Grahad2 Red eyes from too much anime

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    Well you can always make a dummy TRS jack that uses the ground signal if you're worried. Plan seems fine electrically, whether or not it's a smart plan is another issue.
     
  3. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    You're basically creating bridged mono amps, which should be fine... but as with all things, proceed with caution.
     

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