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Analyzing Balanced versus Unbalanced Amplifiers--Difference in sonic quality?

I recently purchased a new Technics SU-G700 integrated amp to drive a pair of Focal 826's or B & W 603 S2 Anniversaries. The amp produces 70 wpc at 8 ohms and 140 wpc at 4 ohms. As a digital amplifier with gobs of technology in it and having a couple of Class A/B amps (Mcintosh MA5300 and MA 162), I wanted to see what the new Technics high-end products touting new technology were all about. What Technics did here was create an LAPC circuit that tests and monitors speaker output via a computer chip versus balanced sound. According to Audio Advice, this circuit does more for the sound than a balanced presentation.
I find this unit to be quiet fast and clear on all phases of the music stage. I'd like to hear from the FOrum members in reference to this (esoteric) rarely discussed topics.
mervo
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,397 posts
 
Marco, I think you should provide a link to a Technics explanation of how it functions.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,640 posts
 
I wanted to see what the new Technics high-end products touting new technology were all about. What Technics did here was create an LAPC circuit that tests and monitors speaker output via a computer chip versus balanced sound. According to Audio Advice, this circuit does more for the sound than a balanced presentation.
@mervo  Generally speaking, the term 'balanced' refers to 'balanced line operation' which is a kind of interconnect cable using XLR connectors rather than RCA connectors (which are referred to as 'single-ended' as opposed to 'balanced').

You are using the term in a different manner here, which is making the inquiry difficult to interpret.
mervo OP
26 posts
 

 

ghdprentice
6,496 posts
 

In high end audio implementation is everything, the design, the exact components used (manufacturer and type of resistors, capacitors… etc). Playing with the signal digitally is virtually always a bad thing. Really good equipment doesn’t touch the analog signal. While digital manipulation is getting better… good sound virtually always comes from applying the “short wire” principle of keep things simple and short, no tone controls, no equalizers. So the balanced vs unbalanced comparison  depends on who is designing and implementing it. Who and how  makes a much bigger difference than single versus balanced. It does make sense to talk about this when all other components and layout exactly the same… but that doesn’t really happen in the real world of audio products.

mervo OP
26 posts
 

Ghdprentice:

Well stated. I reference the recent Stereophile (December, 2021) issue reviewing the Technics RU-1000 all digital amplifier and it truly is unique. Obviously, every electronic component will have a "sonic signature" regardless of its 'flat' delivery. When I hear or read audiophiles talking about a flat uncolored sound, I say 'hogwash'. Even mega six-figure components create a sonic coloration of sound even if in our collective humanity subjectively hear no coloration. 

To me it analogous to a silent nuclear sub: their silence through the water still creates a sonic signature unique to that submarine; the sound signature will even differ from identical amplifiers.

My point about balanced cabling is that most Class A/B amps have balanced wiring internally due to their construction. This Technics is not a D-Class amp per se because it doesn't convert analogue signals at their entry. Thus, there was no need to balance the internal wiring for that short distance within the unit itself.

Anyway, enjoyed your post as spot on.

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