Balanced versus Unbalanced Audio

[dnice555]

I have my outlaw 22000 monoblocks plugged into my onkyo 805 with stereo cables - unbalanced connections. I'm looking at an integra pre-amp with balanced connections. How big of an improvement is it going from unbalanced to balanced?

 

[mazersteven]

You have the Mono Blocks already?

I expect you to write a full review of your thoughts of the mono blocks.

When are you going to start a thread here with pictures of your system?

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13

 

[MUDSHARK]

Over short distances not much. Over long distances such as from the amps being close to the speakers to the pre-amp the improvement will be greater. My Bryston, intended for studio applications has balanced connections for this reason.

 

[adk highlander]

I used both unbalanced and balanced cables with my system and there was no noticeable difference in sound. Only the coolness factor.

 

[mike c]

i have a question.

you have a receiver with unbalanced outputs. you have an amp with balanced inputs. you use a balanced cable (adapter on one end).

do you actually get the benefits for longer runs? I mean, where is the benefit, the shielding on the cable? the extra pin on the output? or are am I just fooling myself and might as well use unbalanced RG cable? (for a 50ft run across power cables)

 

[Tee-HTF]

i have a question.

you have a receiver with unbalanced outputs. you have an amp with balanced inputs. you use a balanced cable (adapter on one end).

do you actually get the benefits for longer runs? I mean, where is the benefit, the shielding on the cable? the extra pin on the output? or are am I just fooling myself and might as well use unbalanced RG cable? (for a 50ft run across power cables)

No you are not fooling yourself and a run that long you really need Balanced cables, they will keep the signal strong all the way to the speakers. If your runs were say under 20ft i would say you would be fine but 50ft requires balanced cables.

 

[MUDSHARK]

http://www.sweetwater.com/shop/cables/cables_buying-guide.php#4

Short layman's discussion by this vendor.

 

[dorokusai]

I used both unbalanced and balanced cables with my system and there was no noticeable difference in sound. Only the coolness factor.

I've run both and have also noticed no difference.

The interference is nice to read but if it's shielded and a good cable, good luck supporting that. This is THE home of anti-cable right?

It's a professional choice due to the amount of cabling involved in a given studio, concert, whatever. It's a mess. Have you ever seen a concert level cable run? Nightmares.

YMMV.

Mark Polk Audio CS

 

[fmw]

The advantage of balanced audio connections is the ability to use longer cables effectively. It has nothing to do with sound quality. Home systems don't use it because it is a little more expensive and completely unnecessary in a typical home setup.

As a side note, the locking Neutrik connectors are really nice. I wish the flimsy HDMI connectors had been designed more like that.