Anybody use a single ended component with one that is balanced?


I currently have a single ended pass xa25 amp which is excellent but am looking to upgrade to an arc balanced pre. I was told arc works best balanced but I will have to use the rcas.

Anybody been in a situation like this? Will I really be compromising the sound of the arc using it in single ended mode? I know there are people who prefer single ended.

 

roxy1927

Showing 3 responses by ghdprentice

@jji666

 

+1 Don’t add an adapter. If the amp is balanced it a;ready has one and is likely to be of higher quality. The manufacturer has a vested interest in making both inputs sound good.

In summary. Don’t worry about it. Go for the best components you can, and if you end up with a system in which all components support balances, then , if you have the money you can swap interconnects to balanced and see if you can hear a difference… maybe, maybe not,

I have mixed single ended and balanced components for decades running single ended regardless of the design. I always had one or two pieces of Audio Research.

 

Over the last couple of years I acquired all new Audio Research Reference components. Since ARC recommends balanced. One by one, I slowly swapped single ended for balanced interconnects of the same brand. I was not committed to critical listening to the differences… but I didn’t notice a difference. I am sure it is there hidden in the sound somewhere. But, I sure wouldn’t prevent me from mixing or upgrading to a piece that is not… from Audio Research.

 

Yes, balanced is a bit louder… one small turn of the volume control, no difference in character or ability to play more loudly.

 

I am sure different companies components might act differently… it is all in the implementation of what ever is converted.