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 1 response by petaluman

petaluman
140 posts
 

Balanced is theoretically better than SE.  Separating the ground between the 2 channels eliminates a lot of hum and crosstalk-type issues.  This doesn't mean that it will always sound better to all listeners, but it shouldn't sound worse unless there's an implementation issue.

You're never "required" to use an op amp.  Normally, that would suggest that the design is already op amp-based, or that they're using it to invert the signal at some stage to create a balanced signal.  A discrete gain stage or op amp is required to convert any SE inputs to balanced operation.  In the case of Audionet, they appear to have developed a proprietary op amp that is presumably used in all their active stages.

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