2. amps-preamps
  3. 193516-201986

Which is best, using balanced or non-balanced connection?

I trying to determine which is the best way to connect my preamp to an external power amp.

I currently have a Parasound hint 6 driving my B&W 804 D4s which I have had for a while. This combo seems to work well as I don't listen to music very loud. While visiting stereo shop I was talking while a salesman there he suggested that while the music may sound good I may not be getting the full sound of the music with the Hint 6. Investing in an external power amp would give me a better experience. So, I decided to use my Hint 6 as my preamp and get a Parasound A21+ or a preowned JC5. I'm leaning to the JC5. However, my question is how I should connect the external amp for the best sound. Should I use the balanced or unbalanced connection?

mjrice2
immatthewj
2,531 posts
 

Here is a quite recent discussion on that topic:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/more-on-xlr-vs-rca-considerations

mjrice2 OP
3 posts
 

Thank you, It was helpful

gdnrbob
4,471 posts
 

One thing the discussion didn’t mention is that the equipment should adhere to the AES Balanced Standard. Otherwise, all bets are off.

@mjrice2 , Atmasphere (Ralph Karsten) is a great guy, you should either call him at Atmasphere.com or PM him. He know the ins and outs of balanced tech and was one of the first to introduce it into home stereo equipment.

Bob

Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
6,050 posts
 
gdnrbob

... the equipment should adhere to the AES Balanced Standard. Otherwise, all bets are off ...

There's more than one way to design balanced circuits, and observing the AES standard is but one of them. You'd be rejecting some of the finest home audio equipment made if you insisted on compliance with the AES standard.

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