What connection is better Balanced or single ended

This post is for user cornfedboy: If you truely are concerned about repeat post go back and read the # of post you place just to slam people, and non related bull like your right to use your keyboard. If you feel the need to save space then simply do not waste space with your off the wall approach, that you are the keeper of space on this site. What it shows is that you are mostly a jeck with no life other than looking to insult other people. I WOULD MUCH PREFER TO READ MANY REPEAT POST THAN ONE OF YOUR LITTLE BOY TYPE I WILL POLICE THE SITE REPLY. If you feel you have the right to use space for your garb, then they have the right to post without you scolding someone. If you think there is no need for additional post then simply pass it by. I believe you could care less, except that some how you feel it feeds you eagle. Real sorry state to be in I would say.

Hi Bigwaves; not a goofy question. I have excellent equipment that has balanced and single ended connections, and I've tried both. I clearly prefer single ended for it's full bodied, more rounded, more organic presentation of music (IMO). My experience with balanced (in my system) is that it's drier and more analytical. I'm now using 4.5M RCA ICs pre-amp to amp, but have not tried XLR with this length IC.

A Tech. Rep at Syn. Res. agrees with me on this, but also says that many of his colleagues prefer balanced ICs. It's just a matter of preference. Welcome to Agon, and Cheers. Craig

What is going on here? I have answered this question at least 6 times in the last year, with no disrespect Bigwaves, you should do a search on any common question, chances are it has been gone over too many times. I search every question prior to posting it, just as a way of saving time. This is not a new idea the balanced vs. single-ended debate, perhaps you should try to be more specific, for example I have such and such CD player w/ true balanced circuit going into pre-amp ‘A’ which only has single-ended inputs, which means I need to use one of those plugs, but my amp has both inputs(single-ended and balanced) and I was wondering which would be better??? Catch the drift, this way you get some advice that may actually help you, all systems sound different with different gear, balanced works sometimes better sometimes it doesn’t. Good luck ~Tim

Hi Bigwaves; Which connection?

The thing with cables and systems is that each system may not resond to the same cables in the same way another ststem will.

There are several claims as to which is better and what advantages there to each style, the same as there are claims as to what brand is better. Consider them claims, not fact. Your system and your ears may not agree.

As previously stated above as a rule and cables being equal the balanced will have a lower noise level. However that may or may not be a problem.

I like the post above have found that balanced also sounds drier and not as warm as Single ended in my system. Not saying that is better or that you will have the same results, but simply stating you may find that to be the case.

There are some big name companys that choose to go single ended only so they must like the single ended.

The best advise I can give you is look for some used cable that you would like to try and get them, see how they sound to you. If single ended see if noise is a problem. In the end with the used cables you most likly can get out of them with little loss if you do not like and try something different. If money is no object then just try what you believe you will like.

The true and only real way is to try the cables in your system. Keep them long enough to listen to them and to get them broke in prior to making your decision.

Cables are truly a listen and hear thing, with not much way to know forsure which will be best in you system short of trying them.

At present I am running the CJ 16LS MK2 pre-amp with the Jadis JD-1 Transport, Jadis JS-1 MK2 Dac on the 2 channel side and the Lexicon MC-1 for surround processor. Most of this equipment is single ended only so I must run single ended. I am using Transparent and Cardas Golden Reference for cable. However even single ended only I feel this is one of the best sounding systems I have had. Prior to this system I was running Audio Research and Balanced Cables in the 2 channel side.

What I and everyone else in this site has heard in our systems really means very little, what you hear in yours is what matters.

As with stereo this site should be fun and enjoyable. Just look past the gang that feel that they have read all and seen all on a suject so there fore everyone else should not take part in a new post.

There are several people that come to this site just starting out. I believe there are way more visting this site that comes to read new post and answers no matter what or how many times an issues comes up. Unlike the few the rest of us are here to have fun and see what we can learn rather that thinking we know it all and have seen it all.

Good luck Aknorth

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION!! IF you think it is a dumb question then that only reveals your true personality which includes lack of respect,patience and caring of your fellow man.just because you think you know the right answer,obviously the person asking does not and this does not make him or her dumb,just new to the hobby or subject.I have never met a person who WANTED to ask a dumb question and then be ridiculed.BIGWAVES welcome to audiogon and I prefer single ended.HAPPY LISTENING,RICH