2. amps-preamps
  3. 177204-110235

Balanced versus single ended

From my experience, every situation that had both options, the balanced connection and/or increased gain sounded better, regardless of the bolume knob’s final position. More detail , air, emotional connection etc. The single ended cables used were good, not the bargain or so called high end extreme.

Sometimes using balanced or xlr it involved just the source, but optimally it carried through thd entire chain.

Anyways, my question is: has anyone ever thought that single ended sounded better?given the 2 options. Im only referring to a truly balanced connection.

I ask, because a manufacturer who makes tube amps, recommends single over balanced connection. Is there something else involved in this decision, additional parts or labor complexity? Is the signal path extended?

Thanks in advance

 

recluse

Showing 3 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,861 posts
 

I don't really have a strong opinion in an otherwise well functioning home whether you go with XLR or RCA, but I will say that if you build your own, Neutrik has silver contact XLR's and Parts Connexion has a line of pure silver, balanced IC cables you can combine to make outstanding / end game interconnects for a lot cheaper than you'd buy.

erik_squires
15,861 posts
 

There is also talk of more gain with balanced. As I understand it the extra 6dB is a lower noise floor rather than extra gain.

 

That’s not correct. The extra 6 dB is the doubling of the signal amplitude due to having 2 signal wires with opposite polarity. Here’s an online calculator. Put in 1V as the start, 2 V at the end and it will come out to 6. This is the same ratio you get when going from RCA to XLR.

https://aetechron.com/calculator-Volt2dB.shtml

 

As others have noted, with short runs away from noise sources the noise is the same.

So, in terms of the signal to noise ratio (S/N) the N isn’t reduced, but the S is increased.

 

erik_squires
15,861 posts
 

Plenty of situations where they sounded the same.  Many don't even realize that the single ended inputs on their amps may just be there for show.  😁

Still, since I want to be very careful and have the cables I run my DAC to integrated using shielded balanced cables.  When I've had to run single ended on the same setup I can't say I heard a difference.

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