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 2 responses by swampwalker

swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
The reason that manufacturers designs vary is because no one single design has been proven to be superior.

Designer/builder talent, parts quality and implementation are major factors involved.
+1000!!!  At the risk of beating a dead horse, virtually every design is a compromise.  The "best" designs are those whose compromises have an end result that most closely matches the end user's value system.  And that's leaving implementation (which is equally important) out of the equation altogether. 

Not to be flip, but that's why there is not only chocolate and vanilla, but also Ben & Jerry's and Hagen-Daz.  


swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Surely there is best way for any individual. You and I may not agree on what is best since we may value different virtues, but having on opinion on what I find best does not mean that opinion should be ignored.
Impossible to argue with that, Herman (nor would I want to, I agree 100%), unless of course you are a dogmatist, in which case you know what is best for everyone!  I don't claim to speak for keithr, but I suspect that he was referring to someone who presents their ideas as dogma.  And I agree with gdnrbob, it's refreshing to read someone who writes clearly. 
Well I can Say the Atma-Sphere amplifiers with the Classic Audio Loudspeakers sounds Sublime with Clarity, Musicality, Frightening Dynamics, Smoothness its just plain Truth Full!

+1, dragon-vibe.  Wish I could afford those Classic Audio speakers!  If I ever hit the lottery...well, if I ever buy a ticket and then hit the lottery ;-) 
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