2. amps-preamps
  3. 128510-2280

Why Single-Ended?

I’ve long wondered why some manufacturers design their components to be SE only. I work in the industry and know that "balanced" audio lines have been the pro standard (for grounding and noise reduction reasons) and home stereo units started out as single-ended designs.

One reason components are not balanced is due to cost, and it’s good to be able to get high quality sound at an affordable price.
But, with so many balanced HiFi components available these days, why have some companies not offered a fully-balanced amp or preamp in their product line?
I’m referring to fine companies such as Conrad Johnson, Consonance, Coincident, and Bob Carver’s tube amps. CJ builds amps that sell for $20-$39K, so their design is not driven by cost.

The reason I’m asking is because in a system you might have a couple of balanced sources, balanced preamp, and then the final stage might be a tube amp or monoblocks which have SE input. How much of the total signal is lost in this type of setup? IOW, are we missing out on sonic bliss by mixing balanced and unbalanced?

128x128lowrider57

Showing 7 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Yep,
Manufacturers develop and sell what they believe in and there're no shortage of beliefs.  This suits the marketplace which has listeners of many different sonic and musical preferences. Every single genre of amplifier type will have its adherents and of course detractors.  Subjectivity drives the High End and keeps it viable with the many choices. Be your desire a 1 watt SET or a 2000 watt class D beast,  there's something for everyone. Preference and individual taste are the dominant determinants of final decisions about which audio component to buy/own. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Herman,
Ralph has integrity and believes in his product and is thus understandably passionate in his advocacy of differential balanced topology,  fine with me. I happen to share your preference regarding SE low power amplifier choice and matching speakers. Numerous paths to good  sound. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Herman,
Admittedly there is redundancy of topics on audio forums and we all know the drill.
Tubes vs solid state.
Digital vs analog sources. 
Passive vs active 
High efficiency speakers vs lower efficiency speakers. 
On and on it goes. 
Yet sometimes meaningful debate and perspective can still arise from seemingly tired topics.   This is an example of such an occasion. 
Herman welcome back to audiogon 😊. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Mac,
The OP asked why single ended? He's receiving substantive replies. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
This is the good side of an open forum discussion. Two obviously qualified people who can clearly (and politely) present strong positions for the merits of opposing technologies. Kijanki, you have made one of the most reasonable cases for the sonic advantages of the single ended circuit and its simpler design. This positive perspective is rarely seen. Well done gentlemen!
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Hello Kijanki,
That was a very interesting and well reasoned post describing some of the inherent advantages of single ended topology. Just as Ralph presents a compelling case for fully differential balanced circuit.   It is quite clear why both topologies  can result in excellent sounding audio components. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 

As with John I've heard modest and excellent examples of both single ended and true balanced systems. Needless to say many variables determine the final sound heard with a component or full system. I appreciate the stated advantages of differential balanced circuits. Ironically some of the very finest audio systems I've ever heard were with the simpler (technically inferior?) single ended circuits. Either is capable of superb sound quality. Designer/builder talent, parts quality and implementation are major factors involved.

Charles

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