Balanced- Yes or No?

[stereo_5]

If this has been asked before, then my apologies. I looked back quite a ways and couldn't find anything relevant. What is the take on Balanced versus single ended. Presently I am running single ended in my C2500 preamp, and the output to my MC152 amp is also single ended. I did try going balanced between the amp and pre, but felt the sound was not as good. What do you guys think and what are you using?

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by stereo_5

If this has been asked before, then my apologies. I looked back quite a ways and couldn't find anything relevant. What is the take on Balanced versus single ended. Presently I am running single ended in my C2500 preamp, and the output to my MC152 amp is also single ended. I did try going balanced between the amp and pre, but felt the sound was not as good. What do you guys think and what are you using?

Always worth experimenting with both SE and Balanced. Balanced has its benefits such as long cable runs and common mode noise rejection if the situation requires it but depending on the implementation of such circuits, very often there are op-amps in the signal path which can be and often are somewhat detrimental to the analog smoothness of sound. Some audio designers stay away from Balanced all together because they feel they can not make them sound as "musical" as SE.

[Cohibaman]

Definitely try both, but don’t abandon either one if you’re not using the same cable quality for both.

[audioguy3107]

You also may not achieve the highest benefits of balanced runs unless your source and end component are true balanced designs. Many manufacturers offer balanced inputs/outputs for connection purposes but are not true balanced designs

- Buck

[GaryProtein]

Single ended is fine. Some high end (mostly tube) companies ONLY offer single ended

[stereo_5]

So, my question is: is my McIntosh MC152 and C2500 true balanced or are there op amps in the circuit? I feel the best benefit would be between the pre and amp does that make sense?

[Vmax]

How sensitive are your speakers? The balanced cables will give the you the lower noise floor. But let your ear the judge. Eggs sizzling in unbalanced is not a choice. Silence between songs is no longer silence but irraatation. Never swap annoyance for peace. If not an issue choose the bedt dynamic range. If the plate sizzles you best be at Denny’s. The champagne brunch wins.

[substance]

C2500 is not balanced. Mcintosh balanced pre amps starts with c500 and above. All other have single ended to balanced converters. I believe mc152 is balanced.

[EfeTe]

Depends on the distance and the length, I guess. If your components are really nearby or close vicinity and you don't need to connect them in a lot of feet/metres, then single ended is more than fine and no audible difference. With balanced XLR the benefit is basically to further protect the signal over longer distance cabling.

[PHC1]

Also keep in mind that level matching is very important when comparing. Very often the gain, sensitivity and voltage out is different between XLR and RCA on different components so don't jump to conclusions.