Please clear up my confusion re: meaning of "balanced" !


I am confused about this term. I've been told it can refer to either a type of topology or simply a type of connection. 

If this is true, can I connect a DAC (Aqua La Voce S2) with balanced XLR outputs to a headphone amp with balanced topology (Schiit Jotuheim 2) ? 

Here are links to photos of back panels of both components: 

DAC:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649395475-aqua-la-voce-s2-dac/images/1710537/

Headphone Amp: 

https://www.schiit.com/products/jotunheim-3



stuartk

Showing 1 response by gdnrbob

@stuartk ,
PM or call Ralph Karsten (atmasphere).
In fact, if you search the Audiogon archives, you'll find many of his posts explaining the rational of the 'balanced topography'.
As you seem to have found, some equipment offers balanced input/outputs, but in order to achieve the AES 47 standard, the equipment must adhere to that standard. Otherwise, you might get unwanted interactions- like hum.
B