These are balanced in balanced out stereo distribution amps. Each SDA-8400 has 8 stereo outputs, when using one stereo input (mine are hooked up in parallel, so that one stereo input produces 16 stereo outputs). These DA's are extremely high quality, with distortion figures in the 0.002% range, and S/NR figures of -95 dBu. Each SDA-8400 output (currently only using 13 of 16) feeds amplifiers, recording devices, and metering. These DA's allow me to feed a balanced analog broadcast quality audio signal to my: living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, garage, or either of my 2 basement systems. The DA's also feed 2 headphone amps, 2 audio meters, a cassette deck, and a CD recorder. These DA's allow me to feed balanced analog audio to every amp in my house and garage, then passively convert at the amp to consumer level if needed (garage, bathroom, living room and bedroom), with balanced to unbalanced ruler flat frequency response transformer based converters. The converters simultaneously reduce level from +4 dB to -10 dB consumer level. Whatever I select as a source on the Logitek PRE-10 (in my basement), is what can be played in almost every room of my house or garage. The DA's receive balanced AC power.

Actively takes an unbalanced -10 db RCA consumer level, and converts it to balanced +4 dB output. Used to convert my Yamaha T-85 tuner output to balanced +4 dB.

Within less than 1 foot, RCA outputs immediately converted to balanced outputs via an unbalanced to balanced converter. One of the highest quality FM tuners I've ever used and heard (and being a Radio Broadcast Engineer, I've auditioned many, until I found a favorite, the T-85). I basically only use it for FM listening.

I'm utilizing the balanced inputs on this amp. After purchasing and auditioning over 15 headphone amps (including a Woo Audio WA6-SE 1st generation tube amp with separate power supply, and some really amazing no name brand tube amps from China), in a competition to find the best sounding headphone amp (for my budget), the solid state Gustard H10 came out on top. To my ears, it sounded so perfect, that I ended the competition race. The Gustard H10 is like a dual mono-block amp setup, as it has a separate power supply for each L & R channel, but in one chassis. I can also op-amp roll NE5532's if I desire (which I have done in the past), as they are socketed. When critically listening, headphones are my main choice. My Gustard H10 receives balanced AC power.

My entire audio system is rather unique, as I don't incorporate a typical pre-amp like most systems do. All of my sources have balanced +4 dB outputs. Those balanced output audio sources (Mackie mixer, Yamaha T-85 tuner) feed this heavily shielded, high isolation (easily -110 dB) between sources selector switch. The output of this selector switch feeds the Audioarts distribution amps (DA's), and the DA's feed the various other amplifiers in my home and garage.

Used in my main finished basement area listening room. Balanced ins and outs.

Used in my main finished basement area listening room. Balanced ins and outs.

These are my main basement area power amps, used in a tri-amp configuration. 220 watts per channel into 8 ohms. -105 dB S/N. Damping factor? Greater than 1000! THD 0.05% at full power. They are fed from a DBX 234xs active crossover.

Basically a passive volume control, with no gain. I utilize the balanced ins and outs (can also accept RCA ins and outs if running unbalanced). Bought off ebay. Made in China. Perfectly matched L & R channels all the time. I've never seen anything like it made in the US. One is used to control volume for my kitchen system, and the other is used to control volume for my main/master basement system.

Even though it's in a rack, and connected, and it's actually a decent sounding headphone amp, it rarely ever gets used. I usually only use it to see how something sounds summed to mono (sometimes I need to do that in my field of work). This amp has a mono switch, the Gustard H10 does not.

Speakers used in my unfinished basement side, where my washer and dryer are, along with my workbench/desk and computer.

Bathroom speakers.

Used for my tri-amped living room system.

These are my main headphones when critically listening. Over the years I've auditioned over 20 makes and models of headphones, and these won that competition contest.

Supplies mid frequencies to living room 3-way speaker system.

Bedroom audio switcher. Selectable sources include Blu-ray player, TV, or basement distribution amp selected sources. Output feeds Pioneer Elite integrated amp input.

Powers bathroom Tannoy speakers. Receives its audio source from basement distribution amp sources.

Bedroom speaker amplifier.

Pre-amp for living room audio system. Selects audio sent to living room tri-amplifier system. Selectable sources include TV and basement distribution amp selected sources. Purchased mainly because volume and selectable sources are remote controllable.

Kitchen speakers. One of the best 3-way speaker systems I've ever heard. The JBL 4410 will always be a forever favorite of mine. Put me on a deserted island, and I'm taking these with me.

A set of headphones that I sometimes use at my basement workbench/desk. They're part of my unfinished side of the basement system. I don't use these headphones for critically listening sessions. The 7506 is a standard model in almost all radio stations, and at the same time, IMO, one of the better sounding lower budget models out there.

Speakers used in my garage.

Used to power garage JBL speakers. I mainly use it as an amp only. It receives its audio from the basement distribution amp selected source. The signal is sent via balanced analog, on a fly wire between my house and detached garage. The oxygen free Mogami wire used for connection has so far survived 21 years of outdoor midwest weather, with no jacket degradation (it is a black rubber jacket).

Bedroom speakers.

Two of these amps are used to power the high and low frequencies to the living room 3-way speaker systems. One is used in the kitchen to supply power to a set of JBL 4410's on top of my refrigerator. Another is used in my unfinished side of my basement powering a set of JBL Century L100's. All of these amps utilize balanced analog inputs from my basement distribution amps.

I make my own cables, and pay close attention to cable capacitance, bare copper vs tinned copper, shielding (heavy copper braid shields are a must for my RCA cables using Belden 1505F or Blue Jeans LC-1 cable), silver plated over copper, and oxygen free bare copper (the purer the better). Maybe I'm the only one, but in all my years of hooking up audio systems, the cable that gives me the least amount of performance upgrade is the power cable (that doesn't mean that I don't consider the power cable an important part of my system, it just means that when changing them out, I notice the least amount of audio difference between many of them).

Direct drive. RCA outputs are immediately converted to balanced analog outputs, using a Henry Engineering Matchbox. That then feeds a RAM passive, highly isolated between sources, audio switcher.

Whatever source is selected on the PRE-10 switcher, it's audio will be read on this meter. Meter simultaneously shows peak and average readings. For many years Dorrough Audio Loudness meters were (and in many cases still are) an industry standard in recording studios and radio stations.

Reads any audio selected on Logitek PRE-10 audio switcher. This is an excellent audio meter which reads many different things. I've got it set up to read L/R phase, and L & R channel audio levels.

I'm using some audioquest (model # unknown) tonearms with them, which I installed back in 1997 when I acquired the turntables. The turntables are mounted in Technics SH-10B7 Obsidian (think hardened lava) bases, with leveling isolation feet. The complete turntable systems (base, turntable, tonearm and dust cover) weigh around 50 lbs. each. The Technics SP-10MKII's have separate power supplies. Currently, one TT tonearm has a Shure M97xE mounted to it, and the other TT tonearm has a Shure V15VxMR mounted to it. Each cartridge employs an additional Mpingo hardwood damper wafer between headshell and cartridge. I do like the sound of these Shure's. I sometimes backcue, and the Shure's (carefully) allow it. I have disengaged the braking systems on these turntables, so that I can manually move the platters back and forth for backcueing.

An excellent sounding mixer. Accepts balanced and unbalanced inputs. Has balanced outputs. Can achieve S/N ratio figures of -95 dB (referencing +4 dB output). This immediately takes my CD player and SACD player outputs, and turns them into a balanced output, when faded up on the mixer. It also accepts the balanced output of my passive RAM switcher, and the balanced outputs of my turntable preamps. I guess this comes close to having a typical home stereo preamp. I do have a nice DH Labs Encore 10 AWG shielded AC cable feeding it, with nice Furutech and Wattgate connectors.

One of my most favorites microphones, and I've used and auditioned probably 30 different kinds in my radio engineering broadcast days, some costing thousands of dollars. The microphone pictured has a double layered pop/wind filter.

These are radio station professional type turntable preamps. I rebuilt them a number of years ago using high quality metal film resistors and high quality capacitors rated for audio. They have balanced transformerless outputs. Loading adjustments are inside. The cage is highly shielded to work in high radio station RFI environments. With no vinyl being played, they have a S/N ratio of -80 dB (referencing +4 dB output).

I bought these CD players back in 1997, and have never ever had a problem with them. They are still going strong to this day. The players have some nice features to them too, like a fade button, repeat, etc. I've tried a few D-A converters on their digital outputs, but they never made much of a difference (to my ears), so I continue to use the on-board internal converters. The CD requires a stabilizer puck (looks like an aluminum 45 adapter) before a CD will play.

I've probably had this CD recorder since about 2003. It produces *amazing* sounding CDs with its great internal D-A and A-D converters. It has been in for repair at least once so far. I only use it for recording purposes (even though it also has playback capability). One of the best real-time CD recorders I've ever heard. You'll still find them in many recording studios.

This balanced AC transformer is dedicated to feed my main basement system's DBX equalizer and active crossover, and the stepped volume control associated with that system.

This balanced AC transformer is dedicated to powering my Gustard headphone amp.

Supplies balanced AC power to all home electronics (except speaker power amps) not covered by the above two balanced AC transformers. The equipment on this balanced AC transformer is not backed up by the double-conversion UPS.

These mic processors are mainly used in radio stations. I use this one at home to find settings that I would then use in radio stations that I engineered.

Only used for SACD playback.

Only used for SACD playback.

Output feeds a Mackie mixer input. Inputs include; TT2, cassette deck, Pioneer reel to reel deck and computer soundcard.

Has balanced in and outs. IMO, one of the best cassette decks ever.

A very basic, clean, and very neutral (flat) sounding mic preamp. Budget priced, but does everything right. Great audio specs too.

This UPS handles all of my front end gear, computer with soundcard (currently M Audio Echo Mia), Pioneer Elite integrated amp, bathroom receiver, and 3 flat screen TV's. Balanced and isolation transformers are post UPS.

Simultaneously converts balanced to unbalanced, and steps down level from +4 dB (pro) to -10 dB (RCA consumer) level. It's a passive transformer in a metal shielded case, with a ruler flat frequency response (I've measured them). These are used with my Pioneer Elite bedroom integrated amp, garage receiver and living room Yamaha preamp.

They're everywhere in my house. In addition to be utilized with my audio system, I have one on my refrigerator, microwave, clothes washer, dehumidifier, furnace and furnace humidifier (all inductive devices). They prevent power surges, along with filtering pops and clicks from my audio system, when the inductive devices turn ON and OFF.

Small mixer used on unfinished side of basement system to feed crown CE1000 amp, and JBL Century L100 speakers. I use this little mixer because it also has an internal headphone amp. There are times when I sit at my computer and just wear headphones (without the speakers and amp on), and then I'll use the headphone amp on this mixer. It also provides master volume control and gain to the crown amp when listening via speakers.

Great little test set. Can measure S/N down to -103 dB. Can also generate a ruler flat audio tone from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Both units perform too many functions to list. Test tone generator can provide either -10 dB unbalanced consumer or +4 dB pro balanced audio levels. Minilyzer can also accept either consumer or pro levels input levels.

Tester measures earth ground impedance/resistance. Almost a mandatory tool for any 1) radio station 2) broadcast site 3) cellphone transmitter site Chief Engineer. Comes in handy at home too.