Amplifiers with Balanced Inputs

[brushro]

I'm shopping for a new 5-7 channel amp & I'm wondering if balanced inputs are something i need to be interested in as a neccessity & if so why?-I've heard that the balanced input provides for a lower noise floor but the # of pre-pro's that have balanced outputs seem few & far between w/ exception of the uber expensive makes
Im driving the Axiom M-800's & i'm also comparison shopping for a preamp-processor.
Thanx in advance for sharing your knowledge,thoughts & opinions!

 

[MacManNM]

I'm shopping for a new 5-7 channel amp & I'm wondering if balanced inputs are something i need to be interested in as a neccessity & if so why?-I've heard that the balanced input provides for a lower noise floor but the # of pre-pro's that have balanced outputs seem few & far between w/ exception of the uber expensive makes
Im driving the Axiom M-800's & i'm also comparison shopping for a preamp-processor.
Thanx in advance for sharing your knowledge,thoughts & opinions!

Way overrated. Single ended inputs will do you just fine. A Yamaha 1500 or a Denon 3805 will work just fine for your pre-amp needs.

 

[Dapper Dan]

That really depends what your needs are. Generally, if your system does not suffer from hum and the power source is "conditioned" well , there may not be any significance. If you plan to add several amps to the system at a later date and more cabling, they could induce hum, so you may want to detmine if that could be a problem in the future.

Read the review of the balanced/unbalanced listening test.

Finally don't be swayed by the literature...listen to the system yourself, does it makes a diffence, is it value for money and or, will the power amps be able to accept balanced inputs. (if you use the Parasound 5250...it doesn't)

Cheers...

Dapper Dan...

 

[Sleestack]

I used balanced inputs when I can. I have found that a balanced input/output setup makes a noticeable diffeence in headphone amps, but in my 2 channel and HT systems, I can't sya i hear much of a diffference. Nevertheless, I have a ton of equipment so using balanced inputs helps me alleviate concerns about interference. In addition , I use balanced runs for my turntables which must be kept in a separate room from the speakers.

Of the pieces I have all of my amps have balanced inputs (Parasound A51/ Emotiva MPS-1/ Meridian G57). Most of my sources and all of my pre/pros also have balanced outs.