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Balanced vs. unbalanced

The way I understand it, in most devices except phone cartridge output, the signal is in a combined state (unseparated) and to get it to balanced, it has to go through another set of circuitry to separate the signals into balanced componenets for the XLR output. Whereas the RCA output does not go through the additional circuitry. And at the other end (e.g., my Krell) it has to go through the reverse process to recombine the signal.

In other words keeping the signal on the unblanced RCA path results in a circuit path with fewer components. Thoughts?

regards, David
wireless200
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eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Bob...RF signals will not get through either the (+) or the (-) input of a balanced interface, so talk about how such signals are cenceled is meaningless.
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davemitchell
253 posts
 
It's my understanding that while fundamental RF is not much of an issue because it is too high in frequency, spurious lower harmonics can be picked up down to the lower limit of RF of around 3K.

With balanced systems and cables you also eliminate ground as a signal reference which can pick up and carry noise and RF.

The more important point I was trying to make is that balanced systems eliminate lots of noise that is more subtle than just the gross 60hz hum or loud obvious hiss heard through the speakers. In unbalanced systems, noise is intertwined with the music in subtle but profound ways that are not noticed until you hear that noise removed by a balanced system.
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