I use balanced outputs on the 840C. I have Transparent ML Super (mm1) from 840C to my balanced pre-amp and Transparent ML Super (xl) from pre-amp to amp. I listen to mostly rock genre. Moving from SE to balanced then to more expensive balanced, I have noticed better articulation; less piercing upper frequencies; and vocals being more forward and not getting muddled in the mix. Again, I'm talking rock recordings.
Now, I will say when doing side by side listening on my system between SE and my first balanced IC, I didn't observe drastic differences, it was more nuance. My percpeptions, as I stated them above, took longer to solidify.
I seem to remember reading an antithesis comment in an audiophile publication about the 840C. It might have been Robert Harley's comment from TAS. This person (Harley?)said the 840C is best using the balanced output.
Anyway, good question. Good luck.
Now, I will say when doing side by side listening on my system between SE and my first balanced IC, I didn't observe drastic differences, it was more nuance. My percpeptions, as I stated them above, took longer to solidify.
I seem to remember reading an antithesis comment in an audiophile publication about the 840C. It might have been Robert Harley's comment from TAS. This person (Harley?)said the 840C is best using the balanced output.
Anyway, good question. Good luck.