DIY balanced interconnects

I'm sure you'll get some helpful responses here, but you might also want to pot this over in the cables section of Audio Asylum. Lots of DIY cable folks over there.

FWIW - I really like the Switchcraft XLR connectors and I have a preference for OCCC solid core copper cable. My set of Oyaide PA-02 came pre-terminated with Switchcraft connectors.

The new Rowland preamps, Criterion and Capri, put out much less than 600 ohms.

I'm a little curious. Let's go with Ralph's theory for a bit. If I own an MP-3 preamp and M-60 amps, then logically, the cable between these should not be an issue with regard to cable artifacts since the MP-3 conforms to the 600 ohm standard. However, let's assume I put my DAC into the equation which in balanced mode via it's XLR outputs has an output impedance of 100 ohms. In this case cable artifacts could be an issue running from the DAC to MP-3. Do I have this correct?

From my perspective I thought the key aspect of a balanced design was that it is differential with the circuit balanced throughout. BAT and Rowland meet this criteria, but not the 600 ohm standard. If I read Kirkus' post correctly, the 600 ohm standard should not be relevant.

I'm more confused than ever.

Kirkus, thanks for the explanation. According to the designer of my DAC, the outputs are fully balanced (truly electrically balanced) in that as leg 2 goes up in voltage, leg 3 goes down by the exact same amount. So it sounds like it is differential.

Now, my VAC Auricle Musicblocs have balanced inputs. If I recall correctly according to one of the engineers at VAC this is accomplished via the "Williamson Method" (which I think is a name used in one of their older amp designs) and I believe uses an input transformer.

Perhaps you or Ralph can comment on this. From the sounds of it this does not appear to be a differentially balanced design.