Balanced XLR vs RCA for phono stage

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?

atmasphere

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

With all due respect to Ralph, I am going to quibble with this definition. There's more than one way to design a balanced circuit and operational amplifiers have long been used to generate both halves of the signal. There are advantages to the AES48 standard, but I don't think it's accurate to say that only amplifiers meeting the standard are "truly balanced."

By way of example, most (if not all) ARC amplifiers are differentially balanced yet don't comply with AES48. To claim that all ARC did to achieve balanced outputs is "add a 2nd output ... out of phase with the first" really doesn't accurately describe the amplifier's circuit.

macg19 OP

you could buy a pair of XLR from a source that allows returns, try/keep/return

@elliottbnewcombjr I've ordered the same Zavfino Fusion cable but in XLR - it should be a good (fair) comparison. I'm away this week so won't get to try them until Sunday, will report back.

Thanks all for the feedback.