Please clear up my confusion re: meaning of "balanced" !


I am confused about this term. I've been told it can refer to either a type of topology or simply a type of connection. 

If this is true, can I connect a DAC (Aqua La Voce S2) with balanced XLR outputs to a headphone amp with balanced topology (Schiit Jotuheim 2) ? 

Here are links to photos of back panels of both components: 

DAC:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649395475-aqua-la-voce-s2-dac/images/1710537/

Headphone Amp: 

https://www.schiit.com/products/jotunheim-3



stuartk
I guess connecting a line-level XLR output to an XLR microphone 12V phantom power input might cause damage to the output gear.
you should be able to connect it just fine the only hiccup would be a polarity issue because the standard for balanced connections is not the same from brand to brand you may have to reverse the polarity to maintain proper polarity because they may be wired with different balanced polarities.
the only hiccup would be a polarity issue because the standard for balanced connections is not the same from brand to brand you may have to reverse the polarity to maintain proper polarity because they may be wired with different balanced polarities.

In this case, no hiccup.


XLR pin assignments for the Aqua HiFi DAC and Schiit Audio amp are the same:
Pin 1: Signal ground
Pin 2: Signal + (non-inverting)
Pin 3: Signal - (inverting)

https://www.aquahifi.com/file/manuals/La_Voce_S3_manual_EN.pdf
@tvad:

Looks like you've put this issue to rest, once and for all. My technical knowledge is obviously lacking. Very kind of you to take the time to look into this!   

@speakermaster:

If that's a possibility, the La Voce does have a polarity switch. 

@nekoaudio:

Thanks for listing the potential hazards!