Pre/Pro to Amp - Are Balanced Connections Worth it?

[Kolia]

I read that a balanced connection is generaly "more better". The longer the cable, the more so.

I shopping for a new HT amp and see some (like the Emotiva MPS-2) that offer balanced inputs.

Is it worth while to consider such interconnect vs good'ole shielded coax?

I'm considering the Emotiva (with balanced inputs) and the NAD T975 (coax).

 

[cbraver]

Balanced connections/cables are nice. They cancel noise induced into them because they have both a positive and negative, instead of a positive and neutral. Anything induced into the positive, gets induced into the negative, and so the noise gets cancelled when it reaches the balanced equipment. In short, it puts the noise out of phase with itself and therefore cancels it all together. With rca's, induced noise will get amplified downstream.

If you can get balanced equipment within your budget, I generally recommend it. Less noise problems, a higher magnitude (twice that of rca's) signal, and therefore a lower noise floor.

 

[adk highlander]

I asked this same question a while back and the responses I received were that in general RCA works just as well as balanced for most applications like the MPS-1/2 amp. These are not a "true" balanced designs like that of classe or mac so the benefits of those designs will not apply here.

Here is a link to that thread that has so good explanations from other members: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35885&highlight=xlr+rca

I have read about several users of the new 885/9.8 pre/pro experienced some popping sounds when using the rca inputs that went away after they used the balanced inputs. I have not experienced this and I have used both with my combo. I do like the balanced connections better just from a mechanical (connectors) and asthetic standpoint but I did not hear any difference.

 

[GlocksRock]

It's my understanding that you will only benefit from balanced connections if you are using long runs of cable. If your gear is close together, you won't notice any benefit from using balanced connections.

 

[markw]

whilte true in theory, regular coax is more than adequate for most home systems.

If you need long runs through potentially noisy territory, then balanced can be a godsend. That's what we use for long runs in the church like from the mixing booth to the power amps (200' under the sanctuary) but, for local connections to things like CD, DVD players, etc... in the sound booth we use regular ol' coax.

 

[cbraver]

Well, even for the sake of ground loop immunity it's nice to have balanced connections. Haha. It's certainly not a necessity in the home, but it's nice, especially if a product offers it anyways. If he was going to replace his NAD at some point, he might as well get one with balanced connections to match the Emotiva (for the reasons in my first post).

 

[Kolia]

Thanks guys.

This confirms my thoughts. Its a nice thing to have, but not necessary.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It seems that in the High-End world (McIntosh, Krell, Mark Levinson, Classe, etc.), the balanced connections produce better channel separation/less crosstalk, lower THD+N, better SNR, and higher voltage gain.

But in the down-to-earth world (that's my world), it seems that balanced connections make absolutely no difference whatsoever.

 

[highfihoney]

On a site where the guys pride their self on knowing truth from fiction i'd think one person who posts in these balanced cable threads saying stuff dont make a difference would take the time & learn what balanced equipmment is.

Balanced connections & fully balanced equipment are not the same thing,not the same design,not even in the same ball park.

Its one thing to blindly say everything dont make a difference,its another thing to know why things dont make a difference & why others do.

 

[rmk]

Truth, you can't handle the truth.

The OP was talking about using the NAD sans balanced outputs so the point is moot. Having used both, balanced are less susceptible to Hum (ground loop issues) and that in itself is reason enough to use them. They aren't much more $ from reputable folks like Blue Jeans.

 

[highfihoney]

Truth, you can't handle the truth.

The OP was talking about using the NAD sans balanced outputs so the point is moot. Having used both, balanced are less susceptible to Hum (ground loop issues) and that in itself is reason enough to use them. They aren't much more $ from reputable folks like Blue Jeans.

Not a moot point at all when the gear being named dropped is fully balanced,then it becomes misinformation.

 

[rmk]

Not a moot point at all when the gear being named dropped is fully balanced,then it becomes misinformation.

The NAD T975 amp that was mentioned by the OP does not have balanced connections. Of course the Emotiva (also mentioned by the OP) does.

 

[Kolia]

*funny things happen when you hit the post quick reply button!!!*

I think I got the general idea of the balanced input guys! )