More on XLR vs RCA considerations?
Have read much about the differences between balanced vs unbalanced circuitry and the interconnects that go with it. The consensus seems to be "mostly" in favor of balanced when it is available. There are at least a few who seem to prefer unbalanced. Perhaps if the circuitry (caps etc.) becomes equal between the two, there is not much advantage to XLR? Not sure, myself. I like to have the option even though I've never used it, just makes me feel good, knowing it's there if I ever decide to use it. Long wire runs seems to be the main reason. Are there others? I heard, lowers noise floor with higher gain. OK.
I've never seen a Conrad Johnson amp or preamp with XLR connections. Maybe they exist, don't know but I've never seen it. CJ is certainly respected in the high end audio world. I'm just curious as to why they would never build with balanced circuitry. Any thoughts on why not? I'm just curious.
Bill
That's true.
That is completely mistaken. Many truly balanced components use differential amplifiers, for example. |
I generally prefer balanced components for a number of reasons but I don't think your claim is true. I ran single-ended for years with excellent results. As is often the case in audio, implementation is everything - there are good and bad (relatively) examples of each. |
It's a misnomer that balanced circuits "double up" the circuitry. Balanced components such as the OP's Aesthetix Calypso use differential circuitry (probably operational amplifiers) to get the balanced outputs. That is a very common approach in high end audio. |
