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ARC Ref3 Bal-SE button..what for?

I was wondering what the BAL/SE button on the ARC Ref is for? I have my cdp connected to the balanced inputs but when I push the BAL/SE button on the Ref 3, I still hear music. Can someone please explain what this button is supposed to do?
128x128tboooe
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,602 posts
 
It is supposed to optimize the sound for single ended vs balanced cables. I use balanced cables for by cd player also...but I found when I switched the button from balanced to SE, the sound was waaay to thin. When I used RCA terminated cables on the cd player, the sound was just fine when switched to SE.
davemitchell
253 posts
 
The BAL/SE switch is NOT for the outputs, but specifically for optimizing the circuit to match your INPUT. The output selection is made automatically by the type of cables you have connected to your amplifier.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
Thanks everyone...
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,150 posts
 
What does the owner's manual say?
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
From the LS26 owners maual:

"BAL/SE: Select as appropriate for each input. For source components having balanced (XLR) connections to the LS26, select BAL. For single-ended (RCA) sources, select SE. Once selected for an input source, the setting is memorized."
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