If both the source and load are fully balanced......then balanced sounds noticeably better. Not just lower noise but more transparent/real and more information. I can hear the difference from the kitchen. This was tested with the same source and same type of cables. So, yes, balanced in inherently better. This is why Audio Research and many other run balanced. It is not about profession whatever......it just plain sounds better. Do what you choose. This is my experience, listening to both. By the way, you don't need transformers to run balanced. Almost all DACs have balanced outputs and you simply run each phase right out. If the preamp/amps are fully balanced.....you will get better sound than single ended. Frank Van Alstine loves his new balanced mono blocks.....the best he has ever done. Also, running balanced does not take the cable out of the equation. All balanced cables sound different from each other and that includes on Atmasphere gear.
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......
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......
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Ricevs 8-1-2019 Ric, I don’t doubt your experience. But see Ralph’s post dated 3-22-2013 near the beginning of the following thread for what I consider to be compelling proof of his contention regarding immunity to differences between balanced cables, **if** the components being connected meet the criteria he states in that post (which are not met by most high end components, as he indicates). Also see one of my follow-up questions later in that thread, and Ralph’s response, which it seems to me might account for your findings. The question I am referring to is in the last paragraph of my first post dated 3-27-2013, beginning with "Also, to eliminate interconnect cable differences is it necessary ..." https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/what-tube-pre-amp-match-up-with-a-solid-state-amp Regards, -- Al |
Similar but different topic - I didn't want to start a thread. I want to take my DAC RCA outputs and feed two amps (want to bi-amp my speakers). I'm looking for a y cable that will put out the same signal rather than a left right stereo split. Q2: Is this a bad idea? DAC is Qutest and has no volume control. That is on the amps. |
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- 71 posts total