2. amps-preamps
  3. 133150-8622

Why do some amps provide more output power when using a balanced connection?

I have an Audio Research LS 25 mk I which has a higher gain when using the balanced inputs and outputs. I just acquired a Schiit Jotunheim headphone amp that has a higher output with balanced as well.

 The increases are not at all insignificant.  The ARC preamp goes from 12db of gain with single ended up to 18db when using balanced.  The Schiit Headphone amplifier goes from 800mw to 3000mw ( with a 50 ohm load) when moving from single ended to balanced.

 Can someone explain why this takes place? 

marktomaras

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,110 posts
 

Can someone please explain why I need to create a 3v output from the Chord Mojo 2?

@therandyman To get enough output to drive the amp.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,110 posts
 
"The Jotunheim is balanced differential. Meaning it will not turn a single-ended connection to a "Fake" balanced connection. You may notice more power from using the balanced headphone output with a single-ended input but I cannot speculate on that."
Just a FWIW: this response really doesn't make sense! So I can understand there being some confusion.

If the input to the "Jotunheim is balanced differential", then it will not matter if you are driving it single-ended or balanced. This is because a differential amplifier does not care what its inputs are - it just amplifies what is different between its inverting and noninverting inputs. So if one of  those inputs as at ground as is the case with a single-ended input, it will amplify that. So its gain will not change nor will its distortion. That is, if it is balanced differential.

You won't hurt anything by trying the hookup! Our products are also balanced differential and what this means is that it usually does not matter to the gain of the amp if the XLR or RCA connection is used.
More to discover