balanced or unbalanced inputs

[bertsummerkids]

I am debating between the B&K ref 30 or the ref 50 preamp. the significant difference between the 2 is that the 50 has balanced inputs and the 30 does not. My interconnects are very short and off the floor. I dont hear any noise in my sound system now or any kind of feedback noise. would the balanced system have better audio sound or is it just for if you have feedback noise and are trying to eliminate that.

 

[markw]

The only time I've eve needed to use balanced outputs...

... is when I have a low leve signal traveling long distances and the pickup of noise is an issue. I use 'em when running microphone cables, and these are generally in lengths of 25, 50 and 100 feet.

For home use, I don't see the need but some people like them anyway..

 

[WmAx]

I am debating between the B&K ref 30 or the ref 50 preamp. the significant difference between the 2 is that the 50 has balanced inputs and the 30 does not. My interconnects are very short and off the floor. I dont hear any noise in my sound system now or any kind of feedback noise. would the balanced system have better audio sound or is it just for if you have feedback noise and are trying to eliminate that.

In any normal circumstances as would be encountered with a general consumer user, balanced has no benefit. The only exceptions would be if you had noise problems -- which you made it clear was not an issue. However, if you have balanced interfaces on much of your equipment, it is preferable to use them over unbalanced, but do not expect it to be audibly beneficial -- it's use would be more along the lines of a comforting thought as opposed to a substantiated result, I suppose.

-Chris