2. amps-preamps
  3. 1316194971

Balanced / single ended night and day difference

Just for kicks I connected the balanced and unbalanced outputs of my universal player (Marantz ud9004) to an unbalanced and balanced input on my multi channel analog preamp (Theta Six Shooter). I then ran the single ended output through the (single ended only) HT bypass of my 2 channel preamp, so the signal was never fully balanced end to end. Expecting little difference I was in for a shock. Completely different sounding. In a nutshell, RCA is more "dispersed" wider sonudstage, while balanced is more focused (especially vocals are dead in the middle between the mains), I guess better imaging in audiophile speak. Anyone had similar experience? How can this be?
edorr

Showing 5 responses by edorr

edorr OP
714 posts
 
Forgot to mention. I cannot decide which one I like better yet. Sound is just vastly "different"
edorr OP
714 posts
 
But keep in mind my balanced is only balanced between source and first preamp. Where does the big difference come from? And yes, balanced has 7db more gain.
edorr OP
714 posts
 
I connected the XLR and the RCA's to completely separated inputs on the Theta Preamp, and then matched volume levels using an offset. The Marantz source has completely separate circuitry for the 2 channel balanced outputs than for the 2 channel RCA (which are part of the multi channel set of outputs). All I need to do for A/B comparison is switch between inputs on my preamp with the remote.
edorr OP
714 posts
 
Thanks guys. I will expiriment a little more. I don't have exactly identical cables, but I have a pair of Transparent Ultra RCA and Transparent Reference XLR's which should be close enough.
edorr OP
714 posts
 
I repeated the expiriment, but now instead of running the multi channel preamp through the single ended HT bypass of my 2 channel preamp, I hooked up the balanced outputs of MCH preamp directly to my poweramp. So now I was comparing fully balanced source + preamp + poweramp with single ended though the same components. No contest. Balanced wins hands down. More "weight / body" to the sound.
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