2. amps-preamps
  3. 177204-110235

Balanced versus single ended

From my experience, every situation that had both options, the balanced connection and/or increased gain sounded better, regardless of the bolume knob’s final position. More detail , air, emotional connection etc. The single ended cables used were good, not the bargain or so called high end extreme.

Sometimes using balanced or xlr it involved just the source, but optimally it carried through thd entire chain.

Anyways, my question is: has anyone ever thought that single ended sounded better?given the 2 options. Im only referring to a truly balanced connection.

I ask, because a manufacturer who makes tube amps, recommends single over balanced connection. Is there something else involved in this decision, additional parts or labor complexity? Is the signal path extended?

Thanks in advance

 

recluse
gdnrbob
4,508 posts
 

@charles1dad ,

As I posted at the beginning, I bought the Mogami XLR cable from Ralph when I bought his amp and preamp. I then bought some AQ cable on the recommendation of my dealer ( which cost more, by the way).

To be honest, I could hear no significant difference in sound reproduction. My only recourse is to try a higher level of AQ cable, but that costs way more and I don't want to spend that much on an experiment (-though it would be good to know and finally dispel the notion that XLR cables DO sound different in equipment supporting the AES48 standard).

Bob

invalid
1,307 posts
 

I remember reading a post a couple years ago, about a guy that had atmasphere equipment and he said he could hear a difference in cables.

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

I remember reading a post a couple years ago, about a guy that had atmasphere equipment and he said he could hear a difference in cables.

People also hear voices that are not there.
But can they tell whether a cable is there without looking?

 

To be honest, I could hear no significant difference in sound reproduction. My only recourse is to try a higher level of AQ cable, but that costs way more and I don't want to spend that much on an experiment (-though it would be good to know and finally dispel the notion that XLR cables DO sound different in equipment supporting the AES48 standard).

IMO It certainly seems like a better approach to put the funds into Ralph’s components (and the others that follow the spec.).

… But then I am not much into cable lore. Usually using the same Mogami stuff in RCA.

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
2,167 posts
 

@zlone,

The wiring diagram below shows the correct way to make balanced cables compliant to the AES48 standard.

 

The Absolute Best Right Way To Do It

The method specified by AES48 is to use balanced lines and tie the cable shield to the metal chassis (right where it enters the chassis) at both ends of the cable.

The absolute best way to wire audio cables

 

https://usermanual.wiki/Document/ShieldWiringOfBalancedInputsAndOutputsAes482005F.2144015621.pdf

zlone
946 posts
 

@ditusa 

The wiring diagram below shows the correct way to make balanced cables compliant to the AES48 standard.

Interesting. Are you saying that both amplifiers and cables that are billed as balanced might not be to standard? 

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