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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 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
mac48025's avatar
mac48025
672 posts
 
I totally agree Charles. I've been following and enjoying all of these well informed ideas and learning quite a bit in the process. Sounds as if both topologies can offer great sound if properly designed and implemented. Kudo's to all the gents that have contributed their vast knowledge in such a civil fashion. I'm looking at purchasing a new pre and amp that are OTL but don't know if they are single ended or fully balanced.....on one hand this discussion makes me want to find out but on the other hand I guess it doesn't really matter since either approach has its merits. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,229 posts
 
Mac,
The OP asked why single ended? He's receiving substantive replies. 
Charles 
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,394 posts
 
Thank you Charles.  While not opposing any topology I think less is more.   As electrical noise is concerned, home environment is in most cases benign.  I argue to learn/understand and I have, especially from Al and Ralph.  This forum is great.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,393 posts
 
Yes Charles, I'm getting much more info than I expected. And very pleased that a discussion about the different designs has happened.
 Glad that some of brightest minds on the forum have joined in.
Jim
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