MC8207 Balanced/Unbalanced Advise

[UFTE]

Hi All,

I am in process of some updates on the HT (screen issue being #1), and am moving onto researching the sound side too. Getting my screen options inline at my local dealer, the MC8207 caught my eye. Seeing online pictures less the blue meters really does not do this amp justice in my opinion, and in person it looks really sharp! There would also be some cost savings vs a MC207, so this appears to be a win win.

My concern though is purchasing the MC8207 now and hooking up to my current system - Pioneer Elite 7 channel receiver. I am aware the MC8207 only has balanced inputs for 7 channel, and the Pioneer only has RCA outputs. My question is if I will be OK in the short term (I hope) buying unbalanced RCA male to balanced XLR male connects to get started? There are some really cheap monoprice cables I saw online to achieve this and possibly low level WW (not sure if their option has the male XLR end based on pictures from their website). I really don't want to spend a ton now on this style cable since my end game would be a MX122 (or wait for it's replacement) and then switch totally to balanced XLR connections, in which case I would then purchase much better WW cables to keep for the long haul.

I thank you for any input and can't wait to get this ball rolling

-Ryan

[W9TR]

Hi Ryan,
Sure, it will work. With one caveat. This cable has to have the correct construction to avoid issues. This is the best description I’ve found about doing it correctly with star quad shielded cable.

https://benchmarkmedia.com/products/...-adapter-cable

Not sure how the really cheap cable are constructed and you want to avoid just connecting pins 1 and 3 together on the XLR end.

I’d also check with Ivan to see about WireWorld options - they know what they are doing.

Tom

[PMCH]

I really like my MC8207. For me it was much better than the two MC205's I had that hummed. I would go for the inexpensive monoprice cables that you can toss later since you plan on upgrading your processor in the future to use XLR's. If you get a MX122 you would still be able to use the monoprice cables until you get new XLR cables. If you buy the MC8207 your upgrade to a new processor could be sooner than you think. I found upgrading the processor made more difference than the amp in my HT system but I don't think your Marantz has the amp inputs just outputs. Good luck.

[UFTE]

Hi Ryan,
Sure, it will work. With one caveat. This cable has to have the correct construction to avoid issues. This is the best description I’ve found about doing it correctly with star quad shielded cable.

https://benchmarkmedia.com/products/...-adapter-cable

Not sure how the really cheap cable are constructed and you want to avoid just connecting pins 1 and 3 together on the XLR end.

I’d also check with Ivan to see about WireWorld options - they know what they are doing.

Tom

Hi Tom and thanks for the input. I also read about possible issues with how the pins are grounded and another reason for me asking on the forum. I would really hate to buy the amp, plug it in and blow something right off the bat! Maybe Ivan can confirm the cable link you provided to be OK or a for sure low cost WW temporary option? These are not expensive at all...the monoprice cables were less (https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...seq=1&format=2), but we are not talking a whole lot of dollars here either way. Thanks again for the feedback!

-Ryan

[UFTE]

I really like my MC8207. For me it was much better than the two MC205's I had that hummed. I would go for the inexpensive monoprice cables that you can toss later since you plan on upgrading your processor in the future to use XLR's. If you get a MX122 you would still be able to use the monoprice cables until you get new XLR cables. If you buy the MC8207 your upgrade to a new processor could be sooner than you think. I found upgrading the processor made more difference than the amp in my HT system but I don't think your Marantz has the amp inputs just outputs. Good luck.

Hi Paul, and thank you too for the feedback. I am glad to hear you are happy with the MC8207...I was able to read your previous posts when searching on the forum over the last couple weeks. This only helps in my decision to purchase as well. I agree and hope to upgrade sooner than later on the processor end, but wanted to have some flexibility to use the amp right off the bat with my current setup. You are also correct that my current receiver does not offer XLR connections. Rome was not built in a day, but I will hope to eventually get there

-Ryan

[W9TR]

Ryan - you won’t blow anything up so no worries there! You might end up with some hum or noise - that’s all.

I would definitely check with Ivan to see what WW has to offer.

Tom

[Masterlu]

Tom... thank you!

[UFTE]

Thanks again Tom, and I will for sure be in touch once I get closer to putting this together for cables questions Ivan. The great help and response on this forum is truely a blessing

-Ryan