Balanced vs Unbalanced?

Ralph which would you prefer your electronics with a electrostatic or a horn system with all else being equal;I am just curious.I am a soundlab owner and have been watching the horn thread that has been going on with great interest as I am not familiar with that technology.

Rleff, it really depends on the speaker rather than the technology. Its the 'all else being equal' part that prevents an answer beyond that. Either one can be awesome or suck really bad.

even if their amplitudes are slightly different.

I thought one requirement for a high CMRR was that an equal input was amplified by an equal amount so they cancel? How does that get corrected in the next stage?

That is no different from using multiple tubes or transistors in other amplifiers

I completely agree, and all of those would be better if they could avoid doing so.

Unlike an SET, they don't make nearly as much distortion at higher power,

Totally agree, that's why I use 107dB efficient horns and usually listen at moderate levels. If I crank it up I'm not too worried about distortion as long as it isn't gross.

BTW I have heard your amps at the Analog Room in San Jose hooked up to a pair of Avalons and it sounded very, very good. Too bad the proprietor is so condescending and the place reeks of cigar smoke. I readily admit it looks like you have turned the OTL from a fireworks display into a fine sounding piece of equipment.

Sorry, I have not followed each post;

I hope I am not repeating what has been said.

I tried both ways, Balanced, Hands down, sounded superior in

the configurations I have tried.

Different gear, obviously really is Truly, "Balanced", and

the Sound, is the result.

Although,there are some electronics that have "XLR"

connections, and they sound "terrible" using the

"XLR's" so it is not true, in ALL cases.

Listening, is the only way to be sure.

That is why I say, the "TRULY" Balanced,

electronics, sound phenomenal. IMHO.

Not to say that great sound can't be achieved with RCA's,

some equipment, is made for them.

Like early Krell's, and Levinson's, and they sold a

a Boat-Load, of each Brand.

The equipment that has "Balanced" connections, usually

sound better, if that is how they are made to be used.

My ears will tell me instantly.

I Love Music!