Is Your System Single-Ended or Balanced?

[MylesBAstor]

Me, all single-ended save for between the cartridge and phonostage (though technically could run balanced between the tape deck and tape stage). That's because conrad-johnson has to be one of the few companies left making single-ended gear. Funny thing. Never had any hum issues with their gear.

Would whether a piece (s) or gear is single-ended or balanced impact your buying decision?

[Albert Porter]

Mine is all balanced but over the years my system has been wired many ways. All single ended, single ended mixed with balanced and all balanced. I purchase equipment for how it sounds, I think both connections are capable of top performance.

Oddly enough, current preamp, phono, DAC and amps are each capable of operating both single ended and balanced. There is a bit more gain wired all balanced and I like balanced connectors since they are such sure, positive fit.

[tom_hankins]

Balanced from beginning to end. (Cartridge > amps)

[Bill Hart]

It certainly hasn't influenced my buying decisions since I began buying hi-fi gear circa 1970 or so. But that's not from pig-headedness. I know that in the old days, balanced was the way to go for "pro"gear for noise rejection and long runs of signal cable; the connector quality was/is generally more robust than the ubiquitous "RCA" connector on most consumer audio gear. In terms of sonics and audio goodness in the home, I'm sure there are arguments to be made for why it is better, apart from noise rejection. But, it really hasn't figure into my mental processes as a factor. Am I as big an ignoramus in this as I am in some other things?

[MylesBAstor]

Mine is all balanced but over the years my system has been wired many ways. All single ended, single ended mixed with balanced and all balanced. I purchase equipment for how it sounds, I think both connections are capable of top performance.

Oddly enough, current preamp, phono, DAC and amps are each capable of operating both single ended and balanced. There is a bit more gain wired all balanced and I like balanced connectors since they are such sure, positive fit.

That's a great insight and comment! RCA connectors were certainly not designed with sound in mind.

I wonder what and whether there's even a better connection if we were to start all over again.

[MylesBAstor]

It certainly hasn't influenced my buying decisions since I began buying hi-fi gear circa 1970 or so. But that's not from pig-headedness. I know that in the old days, balanced was the way to go for "pro"gear for noise rejection and long runs of signal cable; the connector quality was/is generally more robust than the ubiquitous "RCA" connector on most consumer audio gear. In terms of sonics and audio goodness in the home, I'm sure there are arguments to be made for why it is better, apart from noise rejection. But, it really hasn't figure into my mental processes as a factor. Am I as big an ignoramus in this as I am in some other things?

RCAs were adopted with one thing in mind and that wasn't sound. It was all about ease of connecting and unconnecting equipment.

[cpp]

balanced except for the TT and Phono stage

[Joe Appierto]

I've been using c-j equipment since 1993 in one form or another and since they eschew balanced in favor of single-ended simplicity...I did have problems with hum in the past and used cheater plugs. Having switched from tubes to solid state the only hum now comes from my cable connection. An isolation transformer solved that problem.

[Gusf]

Mine is all balanced but over the years my system has been wired many ways. All single ended, single ended mixed with balanced and all balanced. I purchase equipment for how it sounds, I think both connections are capable of top performance.

Oddly enough, current preamp, phono, DAC and amps are each capable of operating both single ended and balanced. There is a bit more gain wired all balanced and I like balanced connectors since they are such sure, positive fit.

After having the pleasure of living with BAT electronics in my last system, I use balanced where I can. My turntable is single ended but I run balanced from my phono to my Integrated. I appreciate the lower noise and increased gain.

[MylesBAstor]

I guess the higher cost of balanced ICs isn't a deterent but a nuisance?

[cpp]

Myles I guess it would depend on the distance of the cable run and that cost. The neutrik type of connectors are not that expensive you might have to pay a whopping $4-6 dollars for one cable connection. I think these cable manufacturers just tack on the cost just to construct the xlr cables vs the RCA cable like its some mystery or voodoo audiophile secret xlr's connectors for $30 each. Buy bulk cable and connectors and if your handy you would be surprised what you can build a cable for. Not high cost at all.

[squasher]

That's because conrad-johnson has to be one of the few companies left making single-ended gear.

I TOTALLY don't understand this statement so please explain what you define to be the differences between balanced and single-ended....

What makes Conrad-Johnson unique (or in the minority) in this regard?


I don't believe a design is "balanced" simply because it uses XLR connectors.

[MylesBAstor]

I was referring to the inherent design of the equipment eg. true differential circuit design. There are other companies that achieve balanced design with the use of a transformer too but some will argue that is not a true balanced design. I think Ralph has posted on this subject--as did an old issue of TAS--when balanced equipment first made an appearance. Here's a link to something Ralph has posted: http://www.audiodesignguide.com/otl/atmasphere.html

[Audiocrack]

I always played with se systems and my Kondo m1000 mk i also forces me to do so. I still have the feeling that se sounds more natural/organic/real than balanced. Am I wrong on this?

A few manufacturors that I admire greatly - such as Tidal Audio (their electronics) and Trinity - strongly prefer balanced electronics. Is this preference primarely a matter of electricians being guided predominantly by measurements/technical issues or are there real sonic benefits such as more power or being able to use long(er) cables. Any additional benefits if we opt for balanced systems?

[Rob]

I guess the higher cost of balanced ICs isn't a deterent but a nuisance?

why should they cost more? the vast majority of bulk wire is twin-axial in construction with a separate shield which is compatible with balanced or SE terminations.

[JCOConnell]

I guess the higher cost of balanced ICs isn't a deterent but a nuisance?

If one can afford balanced components, one should be able to afford the balanced cables to IC them.

[Johnny Vinyl]

I know if any of mine did I would buy some to try.

[mep]

I guess the higher cost of balanced ICs isn't a deterent but a nuisance?

Why do you say balanced ICs are a nuisance? Do you mean if you are using them in an unbalanced system? As for cost, Mogami makes some great sounding balanced ICs and they are dirt cheap compared to the Brinks truck you need to buy some balanced and unbalanced ICs on the market.