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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 7 responses by stuartk

stuartk OP
2,336 posts
 
Thanks for your responses.

@russ69:

Yes-- this is the distinction that concerns me-- connecting a "fully balanced" component to one that merely has XLR connectors.  

I read the Wikipedia article, but am still unclear regarding my question about connecting the two components I mentioned. 

I guess I will have to ask the manufacturers directly. 
stuartk OP
2,336 posts
 

I appreciate all the responses. Some went over my head. 

Thanks to millercarbon, in particular, for answering my question in a direct and non-technical manner. 


stuartk OP
2,336 posts
 
Hi tvad:

Thanks for taking the time to read through the specs and provide me with additional clarification. I really like the Aqua DAC, so I don't feel an inclination to bypass it at this time. 

@invalid:
 
I could ask Schiit about the signal loss issue.  
stuartk OP
2,336 posts
 
@tvad:

OK.   I misunderstood your previous post.
Thanks for correcting my mistake! 

I'l go ahead and order the Jotunheim. 

stuartk OP
2,336 posts
 
@jjss49:

Thanks.  I'm simply wanting to know whether connecting the Schiit Jotunheim to my Aqua La Voce S2 with a pair of XLR IC's could result in noise or signal loss. 

I've emailed Schiit about this. 
stuartk OP
2,336 posts
 
@tvad:

Looks like you've put this issue to rest, once and for all. My technical knowledge is obviously lacking. Very kind of you to take the time to look into this!   

@speakermaster:

If that's a possibility, the La Voce does have a polarity switch. 

@nekoaudio:

Thanks for listing the potential hazards!     
stuartk OP
2,336 posts
 
Ordered Jotunheim (amp only). 

The black units are back-ordered 6-8 weeks and although I'd prefer black, as it would match all my other components, I went with silver, as I simply didn't want to wait that long.

In the meantime, Patrick Cullen is making me some XLR IC's. 

Hopefully, by the end of next week, I'll be set...
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