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Balanced vs unbalanced interconnects

I have a Wadia 830 feeding a Krell KAV-300i. This setup allows for the use of balanced and unbalanced connections simultaneously. I figured when I bought the Wadia I could finally run a balanced system. The dilemma is the single-ended connection always seems to sound better. The single-ended cable is a well worn SR Alpha Sterling. The balanced cables have been the SR Phase 2 Luminescence, Phase 2 Looking Glass, Alpha-core Micro Purl, and most recently a Kimber KCAG. Part of me says why fight it but… I have begun to wonder if the Krell is truly balanced throughout. Any ideas or suggestions out there? All cables are 1 meter in length.
lmb
pls1
432 posts
 
I suggest you give the mfg a call, ask to speak with the engineers and grill them on the circuit.
phill_06896
75 posts
 
At that price point, the Krell is not likely fully balanced, which means that the balanced connections actually involve more circuitry. As such, it's understandable that it doesn't sound as good.
carl_eber
1,425 posts
 
You're welcome. Both my brother and sister in law are EE's, and she would rather do gardening. If you ever go thru the southeast U.S., you could visit my system, if you like. Sorry you don't appreciate a wry sense of humor, but you'll get over it.
lmb OP
29 posts
 
Well, I guess I could have figured as much. I sent a note Krell a couple of days ago and I am waiting for a response. Meanwhile I have contacted The Cable Company, to start comparing cables, assuming Krell will tell me everything is balanced throughout. Send me an e-mail, I do get to the Atlanta, Nashville, and Birmingham areas a couple of times a year (lmb@netins.net).
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