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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
stuartk OP
2,949 posts
 
@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!     
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@tvad knows what he is talking about... :)

and of course neko too...
sgreg1
612 posts
 
One thing to know with Schiit they build all their inputs and outputs to be live all the time. Running one out put does not cancelled the or turn the other out. Example you can run xlr out to xlr amp and run rca out to rca in on tape deck and both are live. Listen and record or listen from speakers and headphones if rca to headphone amp.
stuartk OP
2,949 posts
 
Ordered Jotunheim (amp only). 

The black units are back-ordered 6-8 weeks and although I'd prefer black, as it would match all my other components, I went with silver, as I simply didn't want to wait that long.

In the meantime, Patrick Cullen is making me some XLR IC's. 

Hopefully, by the end of next week, I'll be set...
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