Forums - ZBIT as unbalanced to balanced converter

Dodge

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ZBIT as unbalanced to balanced converter
04/20/21 at 00:39:17

All all can find about the ZBIT is information about using it as a balanced to unbalanced converter. Since it is basically a transformer, I assume it can be used in reverse (i.e. input to RCA, output XLR). I want to purchase one of these so I can use my unbalanced preamp (Conrad Johnson ET5) to drive my balanced amps (Audio Research 250SE's). Has anyone used the ZBIT like this? Can anyone confirm that this will work OK?
Thanks

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Lon

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Re: ZBIT as unbalanced to balanced converter
Reply #1 - 04/20/21 at 01:01:52

Welcome. It does not work that way, you would need circuitry to create a balanced signal which the ZBIT is not designed to accomplish.

I believe what you need is called a "balun." I think a component like this might be a contender (?)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/288115-REG/ART_CLEANBOXPRO_CLEANBOX_Bi_Di...

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Dodge

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Posts: 4

Re: ZBIT as unbalanced to balanced converter
Reply #2 - 04/20/21 at 01:33:11

OK, thanks. That is too bad. I think it will not be so easy to find a device the same quality as the ZBIT to use as a converter. I have a fairly high end system where the subtle difference between interconnects are quite obvious. Just plugging in anything as a converter would pretty much defeat the purpose of trying out the CJ preamp in my main system. I guess I will just stick with my balanced preamp and keep the CJ preamp in my secondary, unbalanced system.
Thanks again for your quick response to this question.

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MrDerrick

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Re: ZBIT as unbalanced to balanced converter
Reply #3 - 04/20/21 at 01:35:35

Dodge,

Welcome to the forum.

I think that you should search out a product that Audio Research used to produce.
They specifically made active converters for balanced to single ended and single ended to balanced.
I think the BL1 was a single ended to balanced active converter.
I see these from time to time on Ebay and Audiogon.

Maybe Jensen Transformers might have something, but I am almost certain that you will need an active product.

Good Luck!

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Dodge Verified Member Posts: 4	Re: ZBIT as unbalanced to balanced converter Reply #4 - 04/20/21 at 02:17:20 Now that you mention it, I vaguely remember reading something about those converters some years ago. Thanks for jogging my memory.
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Steve Deckert

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Re: ZBIT as unbalanced to balanced converter
Reply #5 - 04/20/21 at 03:43:15

Quote:

All all can find about the ZBIT is information about using it as a balanced to unbalanced converter. Since it is basically a transformer, I assume it can be used in reverse (i.e. input to RCA, output XLR). I want to purchase one of these so I can use my unbalanced preamp (Conrad Johnson ET5) to drive my balanced amps (Audio Research 250SE's). Has anyone used the ZBIT like this? Can anyone confirm that this will work OK?
Thanks

Actually a ZBIT can work backwards... wouldn't be very Zen if it didn't. The only thing that needs changed is the gender of the XLR jacks.

We use this transformer inside the ZTPRE to accommodate unbalanced inputs and create a fully balanced output from it. The only drawback is that unbalanced is 2 volts. Most balanced signals are 4 volts or higher. That means that your balanced source will have to be turned up a bit more on the volume control to equal other balanced sources.

Hope this helps.

Steve

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Dodge Verified Member Posts: 4	Re: ZBIT as unbalanced to balanced converter Reply #6 - 04/20/21 at 04:01:10 Now that is good news! Could you have the gender of the XLR’s changed on one of these for me? If so, I will order one immediately. Thanks
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MrDerrick Seasoned Member May The Source Be With You! Posts: 180	Re: ZBIT as unbalanced to balanced converter Reply #7 - 04/20/21 at 12:54:07 I think that the BL1 was actually for fixed line level sources. So that probably would not have worked. It is great that Zen Master Steve has confirmed that the ZBIT will work.
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Steve Deckert Administrator If the 1st watt sucks why continue? Posts: 6246	Re: ZBIT as unbalanced to balanced converter Reply #8 - 04/20/21 at 17:48:06 I have added the option to reverse it in the shopping cart.
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