Dual Differential / Balanced?


Hey all I’ve got that itch to upgrade power amps, and was wondering how valid the dual differential aka "balanced" monoblock or dual mono design is in terms of increasing fidelity compared to a conventional SE amp. note my preamp is also fully balanced

how much noise is avoided by using a fully balanced system?

right now I use 2 haflers horizontally biamping NHT 3.3. using mogami gold XLR
p4000 200wpc mids/highs p7000 350wpc lows

from what I’ve read it only matters if both the preamp and power amp are both truly balanced

I have a nice Integra Research RDC 7.1 fully balanced pre/pro, it was a collab with BAT, I would go for the matching RDA "BAT" amp but its pretty much unobtanium

So far I’ve looked at classe ca200/201, older threshholds, older ksa krell, as fully balanced monoblocks/ dual mono stereo

I was also told to look at ATI amps, they look very impressive but expensive

I’m looking to spend 1500-2500 preferably used products, I dont have an issue with SE amps I just want to exploit the fact my pre is fully balanced, and perhaps get better sound. If anyone has recommendations for awesome dual differential power amps. the NHT 3.3 are power hungry so at least 150wpc, class A/AB

I’ve also come across the emotiva XPA-1 monoblock, I can get a good deal on one of them I wonder if its worth picking this up and praying for a lone one to come on classifieds on ebay- note this is the older model in the silver chassis 500wpc 8ohm / 1000 4ohm

for context prior to the realization that I should use a fully balanced system I was looking at brystons and mccormack amps.. thanks
nyhifihead

Showing 4 responses by charles1dad

Kijanki,
Thanks for your interesting and informative comments here. Listening confirms many of your points regarding real life sound quality. I appreciate the theoretical advantages of differential balanced circuits. Coincidence or not some of the very best sounding Amplifiers I've heard were simple unbalanced circuits with RCA  cables. As you and Al  point out  implementation is a very major factor. 
Charles, 
Well Ralph your  explanation of misuse /improper application of "balanced " circuits would explain why I don't usually find them better sounding in many audio systems. Nonetheless single ended /unbalanced components can  often sound fabulous. Superior implementation of either circuit type is mandatory. 
Charles, 
Kkijanki,
A friend of mine has the Atma-Sphere  MP-1 preamplifier and the MA-1 amplifiers. With this fully differential balanced  signal path he says he can hear  differences between various brands of balanced  interconnects.  By the way his MP-1 sounds terrific mated to my Coincident 300b SET amplifier. 
Charles, 
Thank Al, 
So very specific requirements are necessary in order for Ralph's point to be valid,  I appreciate the clarification. This would explain the findings of my friend's Atma-Spheres and his various balanced cables. 
Charles,