Balanced XLR vs RCA for phono stage

@macg19 Wrote:

I have no clue what the pros and cons are for balanced XLR vs. single ended RCA, other than XLR is preferred for long runs.

See article below:

Mike

https://www.ranecommercial.com/kb_article.php?article=2107

I will echo looking at Ralph Karsten's posts (@atmasphere).

His website (once again, Atmasphere) gives some great information, too.

Plus, he is a really nice guy.

Bob

cleeds

thanks for the specs of XLR volume increase. That amount of stronger signal strength is significant.

That was the 2nd advantage I noted in my original post, but mine was 'stronger signal' without specifics. I tried XLR/RCA with other components, extra volume was not apparent.

Therefore, can you get specifics for OP's specific unit, and then predict signal strength?

XLR from my SACD player sends a slight increase in volume compared to it’s RCA output. Is it the cable, or is it the player’s output? In any case, use of XLR from that unit is yielding a slight volume increase.

@macg19 When you see an increase like this by going balanced, its a sign that the source (in this case) does not support the balanced standard. If it did, the volume would be unchanged. The reason this happens is because to execute a balanced output, all the manufacturer of the SACD player did was add a 2nd output (since XLR connections have a non-inverted and inverted output) out of phase with the first. This doubled the output voltage.

In a true balanced line situation, the inverted output is generated with respect to the non-inverted output and vice versa, rather than ground.

@atmasphere thanks for the info. In my case, the GoldNote phono stage appears to be a true balanced output that is rated in their specs as follows

“Unbalanced RCA @ 2V and balanced XLR @ 4V” 

also “Balanced Output +12dB” (compared to RCA)

Does that sound like a good implementation of a Balanced output?

I am pretty sure the int- amp, BAT VK 3500 is properly designed for balanced input.

Thoughts?