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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
invalid
1,073 posts
 
Some balanced connections need shorting pin to operate properly without signal loss, my krell amp needs these to operate in single ended mode.

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.  
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,609 posts
 
uncle paul's classroom...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8hoG8OOfsI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9t-4W1kKDeg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzEmKPTb18g&t=402s


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. 
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,609 posts
 
@stuartk

given the dac, the question would/should be to aqua la voce -- it is the piece that is without true balanced circuit at its outputs, whereas the jotenheim surely is... as is clearly stated 

in any case, if the cable run is short, should be ok... both are high quality pieces
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