TOPIC:

I need some advice. I have a Yamaha AVR that outputs 2.0v (unbalanced RCA) out of the LFE channel. I will be hooking this up to a Marathon MA-5050 pro Amp with balanced XLR inputs. The amp has Input Sensitivity that is Selectable (0.77V / 1.0V / 1.44V) The Amp will then be hooked up to two DTS-10 subs. The balanced MiniDSP(rev A) version only puts out .9Vrms which I don't think is enough to take advantage of the Amp's full power.

In my case which one is right for me?
Thanks,

While the max output level is information already detailed on spec sheets & user manual, You might want to read the FAQ on the miniDSP Balanced kit which will clarify all level.
www.minidsp.com/support/faqs/46-minidspb...-on-minidsp-balanced

You should realize by the end of the reading that the miniDSP balanced can indeed output 2Vrms. Only the miniDSP unbalanced can only output up to 0.9Vrms.

If it's a pro amp, you will need balanced outputs from your miniDSP, so the miniDSP balanced kit is the way to go. As said in the other similar post (very close to your question), you can input unbalanced and output balanced out from a miniDSP Balanced kit. User manual shows connection.

Also not sure I understand correctly... If you're in 0.7Vrms sensitivity (i.e. max output of the amp will be at 0.7Vrms), wouldn't you have all the sensitivity you need even out of a miniDSP unbalanced kit? Anyway, a balanced kit (common mode rejection) will be better.

Hope this clarifies.

OUTPUTS
Unbalanced
Input signal Jumper position Unbalanced max output Balanced max output

0.9Vrms
(Max 2Vrms in) 2Vrms
(with 2Vrms input) 2Vrms
(with 2Vrms input)
2Vrms
(Max 4Vrms in)
2Vrms
(with 4Vrms input) 2Vrms
(with 4Vrms input)

•In the 0.9Vrms, the board can actually accept up to 1.8Vrms with an unbalanced signal before reaching saturation (0dBFs).

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sorry, I am more confused now....
Okay according to this chart I have to have 4Vrms input in order to output 2Vrms........
If I have the jumper set up in the 0.9 position so it outputs 2Vrms then I will over saturation with my AVR putting out 2.0Vrms
The Pro Amp I am using needs a balanced input of at least 2.0Vrms in order to reach full power.

Mmmh, not sure where is the misunderstanding but please read again carefully the FAQ which has a couple of important statements that I believe you maybe missed. I'll simply copy and paste:

"The two jumper positions (0.9/2Vrms) refer to the maximum value of a balanced input signal before reaching 0dBFS. Note however that these values are for a balanced signal (it's a balanced board after all.. so please see more about unbalanced inputs below."

"Now when it comes to feeding an unbalanced signal to any balanced input, only one leg of the operational amplifier is driven, i.e. half of the typical of a balanced signal configuration. The 0.9V/2Vrms settings therefore have a different meaning:
-In the 0.9Vrms jumper position, the board can actually accept up to 1.8Vrms with an unbalanced signal before reaching saturation (0dBFs).
-In the 2Vrms jumper position, the board can accept up to 4Vrms unbalanced before reaching saturation (0dBFS). "

In other words, you will need to place the board in the 0.9Vrms jumper position, you will be fine with your AVR since max input of an unbalanced signal is indeed 2Vrms(see explanation above). You'll also be fine on the output section since it says that for 0.9Vrms jumper position, the output on the balanced is 2Vrms, i.e. what you need for your Amps.

The simplification is 0dBFS in = 0dBFS out in the DSP. What's happening with the sensitivity and padding is a different story.

Hope this clarifies

So you are saying with the jumper in the 0.9Vrms position I will not be over saturation with a 2.0Vrms input? This is not what your website and post say:

-In the 0.9Vrms jumper position, the board can actually accept up to 1.8Vrms with an unbalanced signal before reaching saturation (0dBFs).

I understand that it will output 2.0Vrms in that position.

Alright, I now understand the confusion related to a typo in the table. (now fixed)

You won't saturate with an unbalanced signal up to 1.8Vrms (i.e. double of the 0.9Vrms setting meant for a balanced signal). Note however that's out of your AVR though. i.e. would imply that you're running that AVR @ 100% volume (quite unlikely no?). Max output from an AVR will be at 0.1% THD and you don't want to be in that section of the audio. Say you run your AVR at 50 to 75% volume and you'll never have any problems. What really matters is to make sure you match the miniDSP output level to the sensitivity of your amplifier. In your case you'll be fine since you'll get 2Vrms out.

Hope this clarifies,

That helps. I am sure you could see why I was so confused now. Thank you for the help.

Glad to hear we got the concept clarified..