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Single Ended vs Balanced output with SE converter

My Ayre CX7e-MP CD player has both SE and balanced outputs. My preamp is only single ended. I've been using the SE outs on the CD player, but recently looked and saw that the balanced output has a higher output voltage, so should push a stronger signal and have lower S/N, I would think.

But will a balanced-SE converter for the RCA cables cause a degredation in sound? It is basically a wash or should I expect an improvement? And of what type (better dynamics, blacker backgrounds)?

Which converter would you recommend?

Thanks,
Bob
ptmconsulting

Showing 1 response by jrinkerptdnet

jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
If I recall in the Stereophile review of this and other Ayre players they claim a SIGNIFICANT sound quality difference between the SE and balanced outputs (balanced being better) BUT you would need to have a true balanced preamp/integrated amp to hear the difference (as per Lak's post).

Again this is per a review not any direct experience and would require you to purchase a different preamp.
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