I thought this newsletter below was perfect for this post but no mention of the AES48 standard.
Mike
The Audio Classics’ Newsletter
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The Audio Classics’ Newsletter
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Greetings!
Balanced vs Unbalanced Cables
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Introduction
So what’s the big deal about balanced lines? The answer is that they allow audio signals, even very low level audio signals, to be sent hundreds of feet with little risk of electrical interference.
Specific Differences
Unbalanced Lines
An unbalanced line is made up of two conductors: a single insulated center conductor surrounded by a braided or foil shield.
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The shield is connected to earth ground. The signal is carried by both the shield and center conductor. The theory is that extraneous signals will be routed by the shield to earth ground so they will not reach the center conductor to interfere with the signal. Unfortunately this theory does not always hold up. With unbalanced lines longer than a few feet, the exposure to interference becomes more likely and the result is that hum or other noise can get into the center conductor and then be passed along to the rest of the system.
RCA connectors are used on unbalanced lines.
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Since the shield is at one potential (ground) and the center conductor is at a different potential, the line is said to be ’unbalanced’.
As a rule of thumb, use unbalanced lines only in short lengths, up to 15 feet or so.
Balanced Lines
A balanced line is made up of three conductors: two separate conductors in the center surrounded by a braided or foil shield.
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As in unbalanced lines, the shield is connected to earth ground. In balanced lines, the signal is carried by the two conductors inside the shield (but not the shield itself). The theory is a little more complicated. As above, the purpose of the shield is to route extraneous signals to ground so they won’t interfere with the signal circuit. But there’s more. Since the two conductors are part of the same circuit, they carry the same voltage and current but in opposite directions. Any interference that does permeate the shield will affect both center conductors in the same way. Since the current in the two conductors is in opposite directions, the interference is cancelled out. The signal is not affected.
XLR connectors are used on balanced lines.
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Since the two conductors within the shield are at the same potential in relation to earth ground, the line is said to be ’balanced’.
As a rule of thumb, use balanced lines for any length and whenever you can, but particularly for lines longer than 15 feet or so in length.
— by Tom DeForest
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McIntosh Performance Audio Cables
McIntosh premium audio cables are engineered to optimize the performance of our amplifiers, preamplifiers, source components and speakers. These cables will perfectly complete your McIntosh home audio or home theater system.
The construction quality of McIntosh audio cables has to be of the highest order since they are built to match the renowned longevity of McIntosh products.
Starting at $600/pair
Call 607-766-3501 for details.
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Audio Classics
Premium
Interconnects
Audio Classics Interconnects are hand made right here in New York State, using the finest audio cable and connectors.
The cables feature gold plated XLR pin/socket connections as well as gold plated RCA connectors. Then they are wrapped in, USA made, cut and abrasion resistant, sheathing. All of this makes for cable that will pass the maximum amount of musical information between your components.
Starting at $300/pair
Call 607-766-3501 for details.
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Have you been eyeing a new component but were unsure of what to do with your existing ones?
Now with the Audio Classics TradeUP Program, there’s an easy way for you to upgrade to a current model without having to pay full price or having to deal with the hassle of selling your existing components. Simply trade in your qualified mono or stereo amplifier, preamplifier, integrated amplifier, tuner or receiver and get up to 75 percent of the price you paid for it towards the purchase of a new amplifier, pre-amplifier, integrated amplifier or receiver.
Click to start trading- TradeUP
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Get in Touch Today!
Audio Classics, Ltd.
3501 Vestal Road
Vestal, NY 13850
Telephone: 607-766-3501
800-321-2834
Hours: M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday by appointment only
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I thought this newsletter below was perfect for this post but no mention of the AES48 standard.
Mike
…
@ditusa
does cable create the conformance to the AES48 standard?
or…
the electronics that it plugs into?
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@holmz,
does cable create the conformance to the AES48 standard?
or…
the electronics that it plugs into?
They both do! 😁
Mike
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@ditusa
Ok. If I am running interconnects for several hundred feet… it is important. But this is a condition that is vertically nonexistent in high end audio.
The reality is that the quality of the interconnect usually trumps single ended versus balanced for the vast majority of actual systems. I have never heard a system where the single ended / balanced was a significant factor. The additional cost for balanced typically is significant. So, it really remains best a dilemma for folks with very high end systems. If you have to be budget conscious. Then get single ended… don’t think twice. If you are trying to assault the highest achievable… then try both.
My average component cost is $20K and my manufacturer recommends balanced… I couldn’t detect the difference… so it is small. I suggest worrying about the big stuff… this ain’t it for most folks.
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They both do! 😁
There is not a lot of reason to trade up in cable with the electronics that conform.
It is possible to make a cable that does not conform, or that flips the phase, but realistically the cables should all conform.
So it looks like a sales pitch for cables… for electronics which are masquerading as conforming, but do not conform.
Starting with better electronics seems like a better value than “spicing to flavour” with cables.
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