Using both balanced and single ended outputs at the same time?

@cleeds the noise in the listening room with swamp that difference.

Some visitors to this thread might not understand that there are two types of circuits in stereo audio components: ’single-ended’ and ’balanced’. Single-ended is also known as as SE.

An RCA connector is used on a ’single-ended’ circuit. An RCA connector cannot be used on a ’balanced’ circuit. An XLR connector is only used on a ’balanced’ circuit. BUT, an XLR connector can be used on a ’single-ended’ circuit. It is simply piggy-backed on to the RCA wiring. Several manufacturers provide both RCA & XLR connectors on a ’single-ended’ circuit simply for convenience. (No need to buy new cables.)

A truly-balanced differential circuit is considerably more expensive to implement. A manufacturer will feature this design in their marketing. The benefit of balanced is best realized if all the components in a chain are also balanced. As with everything else in audio, ’single-ended’ vs ’balanced’ is subjective. They each of their advantages & disadvantages.

Having XLR connectors on a component, does not automatically mean that the circuit is balanced. And there’s the option of converting a single-ended circuit to balanced by installing a transformer. This would be for a different discussion.

I run my Eversolo A8 balanced out to my amp and SE to my sub.

@steakster , whether the circuit is truly balanced or the outputs are balanced in name only should not have an effect on OP using one pair connected to his amp and the other pair connected to his sub.

If your subs are powered like mine are, and you have both XLR and SE outputs like my preamp does, then you can run your XLR cables to your amp(s), and your SE cables to your subs. Fiddle with the level on your subs to how you like to hear the lowest bass and you're done. Also fiddle around with the positions of your subs and speakers to play the room the best.