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Balanced vs unbalanced interconnects

I have a Wadia 830 feeding a Krell KAV-300i. This setup allows for the use of balanced and unbalanced connections simultaneously. I figured when I bought the Wadia I could finally run a balanced system. The dilemma is the single-ended connection always seems to sound better. The single-ended cable is a well worn SR Alpha Sterling. The balanced cables have been the SR Phase 2 Luminescence, Phase 2 Looking Glass, Alpha-core Micro Purl, and most recently a Kimber KCAG. Part of me says why fight it but… I have begun to wonder if the Krell is truly balanced throughout. Any ideas or suggestions out there? All cables are 1 meter in length.
lmb

Showing 3 responses by lmb

lmb OP
29 posts
 
Some additional info - all cables mentioned are used so I assumed they were broken-in. Also, all connections were thoroughly cleaned with Kontak. Back to the meat of the matter is balanced better than single-ended or is the KAV-300i not truly balanced throughout.
lmb OP
29 posts
 
Provocative comments Carl, posting is a bad meduim for a wry sense of humor. Being a musician for the last 20 years as well as having a EE, I seriously doubt gardening is in my future. The Krell literature is non-specific and simply states a balanced input stage which should be and is quieter even if it stops there. It is the leading edge dynamics that seem consisitently better in the single-ended connection. I have have owned MIT products in the past, perhaps based on your enthusiam I will audition the Proline. Thanks.
lmb OP
29 posts
 
Well, I guess I could have figured as much. I sent a note Krell a couple of days ago and I am waiting for a response. Meanwhile I have contacted The Cable Company, to start comparing cables, assuming Krell will tell me everything is balanced throughout. Send me an e-mail, I do get to the Atlanta, Nashville, and Birmingham areas a couple of times a year (lmb@netins.net).
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