Running balanced. Difference between XLR vs. RCA.

their literature is a little misleading, you will need a balanced xlr cable to us the amp in balanced mode as they are designed for. Just get any cable you like or even a generic pro cable like a Canare or Belden based one and enjoy those amps!

steve

I'm not certain that posts here are directed at my comments about "true balanced." To clarify, pasted below are manufacturers comments that explain the issue I have in mind.

Balanced or TRUE balanced?
"Quite a few high end audio manufacturers have built their amp and preamp circuits around single ended designs (not balanced). When the balanced craze began, they all wanted to jump on the bandwagon, so they did a quick fix to make their single ended circuits balanced. They simply added an extra input (for the 3d wire) which created a balanced input (because it has CMR), but not a balanced circuit.

So, when you hear the term 'true balanced,' it usually means that not only is the input balanced, but so too is the entire circuit."

I recently converted my long time ICs to balanced operation. Other than the increased gain noted above, the sound was the same. IMO, if you have a noise/RF problem, and 'true balanced' equipment,then balanced cables should be explored. Otherwise, relax and enjoy your SE
gear.

If SE CKT, using RCA or XLR IC would make difference. But for balanced CKT, XLR will benefit from more gain, CMRR, .... CMRR is more the power supply related, a better power supply will help also. Lower RF noise will help both SE and BL, but not make SE the same as BL.

The only way to find out what sounds better is to try both and use what works best for you as all systems are not alike! Alot will say balanced is better but if your eq. is not true balanced as stated above then balanced may not improve over single end IC. Most systems that are true balanced do sound better with balanced IC, And I mean most systems do but some don't. Happy Listening!