balanced vs unbalanced

1. Rarely but possible.
2. Does the amp have a switch to select between the two inputs? If not, you probably need the jumper.

Kal

I found that it depends on the amp. I had a Audio Research VT100 Mk II that I used single-ended for a few years. Then I switched to a front-end with balanced outs, so I switched to balanced interconnects and the sound improved significantly. The most obvious improvement is better bass extension with balanced compared to single-ended.

I would suggest finding out if your amp is a balanced design. If so, try using balanced. But ultimately, trust your ears.

Gary

All things being equal, and assuming that the balanced is properly implemented (a lot of times it isn't!), balanced is the way to go.

Depending on the circuit details........some may need jumpers, others will not.

If your equipment is working fine, you have no ground loops, long interconnect runs between components or some noisy electromagnetic sources/wires very close by (like an AC) then I doubt you can hear any difference.

Balanced will be better in any of the above conditions but in practice RCA is good enough.