In high end audio implementation is everything, the design, the exact components used (manufacturer and type of resistors, capacitors… etc). Playing with the signal digitally is virtually always a bad thing. Really good equipment doesn’t touch the analog signal. While digital manipulation is getting better… good sound virtually always comes from applying the “short wire” principle of keep things simple and short, no tone controls, no equalizers. So the balanced vs unbalanced comparison depends on who is designing and implementing it. Who and how makes a much bigger difference than single versus balanced. It does make sense to talk about this when all other components and layout exactly the same… but that doesn’t really happen in the real world of audio products.
Analyzing Balanced versus Unbalanced Amplifiers--Difference in sonic quality?
I recently purchased a new Technics SU-G700 integrated amp to drive a pair of Focal 826's or B & W 603 S2 Anniversaries. The amp produces 70 wpc at 8 ohms and 140 wpc at 4 ohms. As a digital amplifier with gobs of technology in it and having a couple of Class A/B amps (Mcintosh MA5300 and MA 162), I wanted to see what the new Technics high-end products touting new technology were all about. What Technics did here was create an LAPC circuit that tests and monitors speaker output via a computer chip versus balanced sound. According to Audio Advice, this circuit does more for the sound than a balanced presentation.
I find this unit to be quiet fast and clear on all phases of the music stage. I'd like to hear from the FOrum members in reference to this (esoteric) rarely discussed topics.
I find this unit to be quiet fast and clear on all phases of the music stage. I'd like to hear from the FOrum members in reference to this (esoteric) rarely discussed topics.