2. amps-preamps
  3. 193516-201986

Which is best, using balanced or non-balanced connection?

I trying to determine which is the best way to connect my preamp to an external power amp.

I currently have a Parasound hint 6 driving my B&W 804 D4s which I have had for a while. This combo seems to work well as I don't listen to music very loud. While visiting stereo shop I was talking while a salesman there he suggested that while the music may sound good I may not be getting the full sound of the music with the Hint 6. Investing in an external power amp would give me a better experience. So, I decided to use my Hint 6 as my preamp and get a Parasound A21+ or a preowned JC5. I'm leaning to the JC5. However, my question is how I should connect the external amp for the best sound. Should I use the balanced or unbalanced connection?

mjrice2
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cleeds
6,050 posts
 
gdnrbob

... the equipment should adhere to the AES Balanced Standard. Otherwise, all bets are off ...

There's more than one way to design balanced circuits, and observing the AES standard is but one of them. You'd be rejecting some of the finest home audio equipment made if you insisted on compliance with the AES standard.

mikhailark
356 posts
 

Balanced rejects noise that why all professional audio gear is balanced. So doesn't matter on short cables, but anything longer than 6ft should be balanced ideally. I run 12 ft cables, all XLR.

mjrice2 OP
3 posts
 

Thanks to all for your inputs. They were greatly appreciated. I'm to go with balanced.

Thanks again,

Marvus

audiojacks's avatar
audiojacks
20 posts
 

"Thanks to all for your inputs" Lol, very punny!

All my gear is balanced. Your challenge will be to find a decent turntable with balanced outputs or decent rca to XLR signal converters or adapters if your pteamp only has XLR ins and outs. Very few good turntables have XLR outs. This of course assumes that you spin vinyl. If not then no worries!

jhnnrrs
116 posts
 

I have a preamp on my desk and an amp on the shelf above it.  The cable runs amongst various other signal and power cables and there was always an audible level of hum coming from the speakers.  Substituting RCA for XLR removed the hum completely.  So there's that.  In less challenging situations, though, I don't think either has an advantage.

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