Balanced vs Unbalanced Digital Cables


I have the ability to go to a balanced digital from my Lumin d1 to my SMSL D400EX. Is it worth the potential expense?

128x128brenn

NO! Digital data transmission down an RCA SPDIF coax is a solved problem and perfectly fine. 

There are two types of IEC 60958 standard AES EBU non-optical cables:
Type I Balanced: 3-conductor, 110-ohm twisted pair cabling, XLR connectors, used in professional installations (AES3 standard).
Type II Unbalanced: 2-conductor, 75-ohm coaxial cable with RCA connectors, used in consumer audio.

In a home audio system, it won't make one bit (I feel a pun coming on)
of difference.

Best advice:
K.I.S., S.

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All else being equal, u might get an additional 3 db of gain? However, if smear is an issue, maybe go shorter rca as ribbon could get up there for long lengths. 

You have some great gear. And going balanced will make your voice exactly 3dB louder in the ongoing discussions of how digital cables make deeper zeroes and more spacious ones. Seriously, the advantages of balanced connections are very real considerations in the studio, but simply unnecessary at home. (With the one possible exception of phono carts inherent balanced output)