Balanced connections on XLR jacks can send both sides, positive and negative, of the waveform. RCA connections can send only one side, usually the positive. So balanced stereo stuff has four signals to work with instead of two, and why it costs more when it's for real. This creates the possibility to correct errors (noise and distortion) before they reach your speakers. If you have balanced connections use them, otherwise don't worry about it. Btw, Hosa makes a nice 20 AWG microphone cable with Neutrik XLR's - about $30 per 20 foot pair on sale at music stores. You'll be laughing all the way past the stereo shoppe :-)
Balanced Interconnects??
Hello, What exactly are balanced vs unbalanced interconnects? I'm looking at some of Audioquests new line of interconnects, particularly the coral, to use as an interconnect between my Rotel integrated amp and CD player. Some of their cables are double balanced and others like the coral are triple balanced.Should these cables be used for special applications or equipment? Any info you guys could provide would be greatly appreciated. My System: Rotel RA-985BX integrated amplifier Musical Concepts modified CD player Vandersteen 2ce Signatures Audioquest type-4 speaker cable 15ft true biwire Shitty Radio Shack interconnects (soon to be replaced) Va