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 shannere

First you must determine if your equipment is truly differentially balanced or it just has balanced connectors.  I now this topic has been covered umpteen times previously on these forums; try reading the white papers of Nelson Pass (Pass Labs) , Victor Khomenko (BAT)  Ralph Karsten ( Atmasphere) or Charlie Hansen (Ayre) to get an explanation from renown experts not just the ones who frequent these forums.