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Balanced / single ended night and day difference

Just for kicks I connected the balanced and unbalanced outputs of my universal player (Marantz ud9004) to an unbalanced and balanced input on my multi channel analog preamp (Theta Six Shooter). I then ran the single ended output through the (single ended only) HT bypass of my 2 channel preamp, so the signal was never fully balanced end to end. Expecting little difference I was in for a shock. Completely different sounding. In a nutshell, RCA is more "dispersed" wider sonudstage, while balanced is more focused (especially vocals are dead in the middle between the mains), I guess better imaging in audiophile speak. Anyone had similar experience? How can this be?
edorr

Showing 3 responses by xti16

xti16
1,525 posts
 
Wow - When I compared the 2 I heard just the opposite. I preferred the wider sound stage but hated the gain I heard with the balanced cables. I got the single ended.
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Good point Al. I forgot to mention when I compared cables at first I had the both connected at the same time. The XRL's were just horrible with the RCA's being an obvious winner. Once I used them separately they both sounded better.

Edorr I have an integrated
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Douglas I agree 100%. I used the same Nordost Frey Ic's. They are not the same sounding at the same volume. Had it been for the gain I probably would have gone for the Xlr's.
That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it
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