Skoczylas, unfortunately I do not have any experience with the phono stage in the 3000 nor a table I can use to test.
When I first bought the Yamaha I tried both single ended and balanced and preferred balanced. It wasn't really a fair comparison though but in any event I have used balanced and haven't looked back. When I get some time I'll swap single ended back in and do a quick comparison.
I'm not much of a headphone guy but I do listen periodically when noise may be an issue for the wife and daughter and I will say that the internal headphone amp is very good in the 3000, making my Focal Spirit Professionals the week link IMO. As a side note I would be fine with the Focal headphones but I do find them uncomfortable for extended listening.
When I first bought the Yamaha I tried both single ended and balanced and preferred balanced. It wasn't really a fair comparison though but in any event I have used balanced and haven't looked back. When I get some time I'll swap single ended back in and do a quick comparison.
I'm not much of a headphone guy but I do listen periodically when noise may be an issue for the wife and daughter and I will say that the internal headphone amp is very good in the 3000, making my Focal Spirit Professionals the week link IMO. As a side note I would be fine with the Focal headphones but I do find them uncomfortable for extended listening.