Balanced vs. Unbalanced - What does it mean?

The techies can tell you what it is but cant tell you how it sounds.As usual synergy rules and that is to be found in the arena,not on paper or cyberspace,YMMV,cheers,Bob

Balanced connections mean that there are two signal wires per channel, each carrying a different polarity of the same signal and twisted together. There is no ground, per se, as any ground lead is only to shield the wires and the two signal leads, only, are connected between the two components. The most significant result is that any RF or electrical noise picked up by these leads is effectively canceled because of the differential termination that subtracts one from the other at the (differential) termiantion. This will make for less noise in electrically noisy environments or with VERY long runs.

Unbalanced consists of a signal lead and ground lead.

In practice, there is no real difference unless you have unusual conditions such as RF noise and/or runs of many meters. My interconnects are 10 meters and there is no audible difference between balanced and unbalanced except that the XLR connectors on the balanced lines are more secure and durable.

Kal

I would add that XLR circuits use higher signal levels - so better signal to noise or more dynamic range.

Balanced circuits are needed when there is a noise problem. If using a preamp of suitable gain, running RCA shielded cable for 30ft. should be no problem. When Sheffield Lab did their recordings, they used a shielded coax cable to run from Wiley Chapel to the electronics some 300ft. And we all know how quiet and good those recordings are. I prefer the XLR connector, and use them with the +(2) gnd(1) or pin 1 and pin 2, and not use pin 3 (-). RCA's seem to stretch and get loose over time. I just use the two wire rca cable and put on XLR connectors. My preference is the USA made switchcraft or Vampire. Jallen

Thanks for the information so far.

Can I use RCA out of my preamp with XLR into the amp? Do such interconnects exist and if so, any recommendations? I am using a Linn preamp into the MC402.