What connection is better Balanced or single ended

What is going on here? I have answered this question at least 6 times in the last year, with no disrespect Bigwaves, you should do a search on any common question, chances are it has been gone over too many times. I search every question prior to posting it, just as a way of saving time. This is not a new idea the balanced vs. single-ended debate, perhaps you should try to be more specific, for example I have such and such CD player w/ true balanced circuit going into pre-amp ‘A’ which only has single-ended inputs, which means I need to use one of those plugs, but my amp has both inputs(single-ended and balanced) and I was wondering which would be better??? Catch the drift, this way you get some advice that may actually help you, all systems sound different with different gear, balanced works sometimes better sometimes it doesn’t. Good luck ~Tim

Hi Bigwaves; Which connection?

The thing with cables and systems is that each system may not resond to the same cables in the same way another ststem will.

There are several claims as to which is better and what advantages there to each style, the same as there are claims as to what brand is better. Consider them claims, not fact. Your system and your ears may not agree.

As previously stated above as a rule and cables being equal the balanced will have a lower noise level. However that may or may not be a problem.

I like the post above have found that balanced also sounds drier and not as warm as Single ended in my system. Not saying that is better or that you will have the same results, but simply stating you may find that to be the case.

There are some big name companys that choose to go single ended only so they must like the single ended.

The best advise I can give you is look for some used cable that you would like to try and get them, see how they sound to you. If single ended see if noise is a problem. In the end with the used cables you most likly can get out of them with little loss if you do not like and try something different. If money is no object then just try what you believe you will like.

The true and only real way is to try the cables in your system. Keep them long enough to listen to them and to get them broke in prior to making your decision.

Cables are truly a listen and hear thing, with not much way to know forsure which will be best in you system short of trying them.

At present I am running the CJ 16LS MK2 pre-amp with the Jadis JD-1 Transport, Jadis JS-1 MK2 Dac on the 2 channel side and the Lexicon MC-1 for surround processor. Most of this equipment is single ended only so I must run single ended. I am using Transparent and Cardas Golden Reference for cable. However even single ended only I feel this is one of the best sounding systems I have had. Prior to this system I was running Audio Research and Balanced Cables in the 2 channel side.

What I and everyone else in this site has heard in our systems really means very little, what you hear in yours is what matters.

As with stereo this site should be fun and enjoyable. Just look past the gang that feel that they have read all and seen all on a suject so there fore everyone else should not take part in a new post.

There are several people that come to this site just starting out. I believe there are way more visting this site that comes to read new post and answers no matter what or how many times an issues comes up. Unlike the few the rest of us are here to have fun and see what we can learn rather that thinking we know it all and have seen it all.

Good luck Aknorth

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION!! IF you think it is a dumb question then that only reveals your true personality which includes lack of respect,patience and caring of your fellow man.just because you think you know the right answer,obviously the person asking does not and this does not make him or her dumb,just new to the hobby or subject.I have never met a person who WANTED to ask a dumb question and then be ridiculed.BIGWAVES welcome to audiogon and I prefer single ended.HAPPY LISTENING,RICH

My god that is sooooooo ridiculous Captain, I have asked tons of stupid/dumb questions here. I was just unaware of them being dumb at the time, but where I once was blind now I see. We all progress at different rates in audio, not to mention starting at different times. If you really want I can site some references to my dumb questions over the years, but I think you should take my word. I agree there should be a FAQ section as well, many questions are gone over again and again, i.e. the solid state VS. tube debate, silver VS. copper speaker cables, and you know what there is no right answer to any of those. It depends what’s in your system(unless of course it is BOSE or Krell, then its a lost cause any way! joking don‘t start flaming), of course if you have a very bright speaker with solid state amps, silver most likely would sound horrible, but there is no “answer” to this, that is half the fun. Sort of like fishing, what fun would it be if you through your line in the water and caught the same huge fish with in 30 seconds, that would not be much fun, or any hobby for that mater. Trial and error, Einstein said “If 10,000 trials are made-unsuccessfully-then I learned something”(or something darn close to that). Good luck and enjoy the audiophila

I would contact the manufacturer and ask them what they feel is best for that specific piece of equipment.