2. amps-preamps
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Balanced vs RCA between amp/preamp

Well I'm taking my first step into separate components with a Marantz SC-11s1 and SM-11s1. Would like to know about the +/-'s of using RCA vs balanced interconnects between the two. All my input sources are single ended.

I understand the Marantz components balanced connections have pin 2 wired cold and pin 3 wired hot. Does this mean I need to reverse the cables going to my speakers (if I decide to use balanced connections between amp/preamp).

I also understand the RCA connections conserve absolute polarity. But is there a performance "hit" taken by using singled ended connections between amp/preamp?

Thank you in advance......
wec56

Showing 1 response by glennewdick

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,508 posts
 
Good point Millercarbon 

one other thing to consider is the Marantz actually true balanced or just single ended looking as balanced. True balanced is a lot harder to do and can give benefits in cable cost and ability to run longer runs. true balanced negates many of the issues with cables and EMI as the balanced signal cancel out the EMI more then single ended can.  In theory you don't need to spend huge money on balanced cables as they require less shielding. 

I'm sure someone here with more background in balanced systems can inject more information and details as to the benefits losses.
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