Biamping vs. balanced inputs

[risman]

I have a Marantz AV-7005 AV Pre-processor and am in the process of replacing a Sunfire Cinema Grand 5-channel amplifier (with a shot left front channel) with a Sunfire Theater Grand TGA-7201 7-channel amp. I have a pair of MartinLogan SL-3 front speakers and a pair of ML Aerius as surround speakers (i.e., I have a 5.1 system). I’ve been using unbalanced RCA connectors as the preamp line-level outputs, but am interested in changing to balanced XLR outputs to the amp.


I’m interested in bi-amping the SL-3 front speakers, which the manual for the Theater Grand explains how to do. However, it also shows using unbalanced RCA outputs from the preamp to the left and right front speakers, with another RCA jumper from the left and right front speaker inputs to the left and right rear inputs on the amp. And since you can’t use XLR cables in with RCA cables out, or vice versa, the opportunity to use balanced cables for input for the front speakers seems to be lost. If anyone wants to see how this is described in the Sunfire manual, see http://www.sunfire.com/manuals/Sunfire_TGA_7401_7201_Manual.pdf.


My question is whether, soundwise, I’d be better off forgetting the biamping and sticking with the balanced cables throughout, or biamping and forgoing the balanced cables for the front speakers.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

This is an often-debated topic. Some say balanced connections sound better, others say it doesn’t make an audible improvement. Same with passive bi-amping. I’d suggest trying it both ways. If one sounds better then go with it.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[Irvrobinson]

I'd forget bi-amping with those speakers altogether. There is very unlikely to be any audible difference.

Unless your interconnects need to be greater than 10 feet long you really don't need balanced interconnects, unless you just like the heft and positive "click" and feel of the XLR connectors, which I understand. I like XLR connectors too, so if you insist on choosing one of these options I'd go for the balanced cables.

 

[markw]

The only time balanced connections pay off is when you have to send a very low level signal over very long distances. We used these for microphone runs when doing church installations.

But, for the distances involved in home use, they are overkill, but they sure do impress the bejeezus out of the unknowing.