Tír Na HiFi

I simply cannot get my head around the 'differences', if any, between Single Ended and Balanced interconnects on my Hi-Fi system. Both work on my system, the balanced connections are more positive [locking on one end] than the Single Ended. Sonic differences?? Not sure but I think the SE is slightly more upbeat than balanced.

What I hope to learn is the whys of balanced. Technical guys will know the answer but, to save typing, perhaps a URL to a good online explanation is what I need. Thanks.

I've always assumed balanced interconnects were more of a studio standard rather than domestic, I have doubts about their benefits in the home, certainly I've never heard a difference.

Quick answer - the main benefit is to balanced where the signal to noise ratio should be better i.e stronger signal above the noise floor.
TRUE balanced operation should cancel out noise i.e distortion signals that are synchronous on both signal lines.
A lot of equipment doesn't implement balanced circuitry correctly so this cancellation of certain distortions & noise reduction is not that effective.

Edit: Yes, as Ivor says, studios use balanced quite a lot so as to avoid the noise which would be inherent in the long signal leads that are often necessary in studios

Have to say, there's a clear difference on my stuff, with balanced providing a much more open sound to my ears. That said, it seems to be very component-specific.

Diapason wrote:Have to say, there's a clear difference on my stuff, with balanced providing a much more open sound to my ears. That said, it seems to be very component-specific.

There will always be gear that's designed to provide and accept a balanced signal but too often it's tacked on as an afterthought.
If it improves your system then retain it!

It would be same for me as for Diapason, but it probably helps that my system is balanced all the way from source through pre to amplification.

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jkeny wrote:Quick answer - the main benefit is to balanced where the signal to noise ratio should be better i.e stronger signal above the noise floor.
TRUE balanced operation should cancel out noise i.e distortion signals that are synchronous on both signal lines.
A lot of equipment doesn't implement balanced circuitry correctly so this cancellation of certain distortions & noise reduction is not that effective.

Edit: Yes, as Ivor says, studios use balanced quite a lot so as to avoid the noise which would be inherent in the long signal leads that are often necessary in studios

Agree with John that is equipment dependant, if is a true balanced
My previous Karan preamp and the current Wadia highly recommend use of balanced cables. The sad part is that mu amps are single ended and never got the chance to compare myself! :(

You may also find, all else being equal, that phono vs xlr connections will result in slightly different levels of gain. You'd need to check your system specs to be sure.