Balanced v RCA

[pumpexch]

What is the difference using the balanced input into a power amp as opposed to using RCA? Does one reproduce music better than the other?

[feeling_zen]

I think this has been discussed at extreme length in several threads if searched.

Balanced is a complex circuit but provides active noise rejection. RCA/DIN is a simple circuit with no noise rejection.

As such the benefit of one versus the other largely depends on the inherent broadcast noise of the environment. You could simplify the further by generalising (hence is only generally true, not on every situation) that balanced is better for long runs like where a power amp is sites next to speakers, whereas RCA/DIN, with it’s simpler circuit, has an advantage on short runs like components in the same rack.

Neither will be absolutely true in every situation. And the quality of a balanced circuit might be insufficient for it to ever be preferential. A lot of entry level gear with balanced inputs and outputs are rarely going to win over single ended.

[Edmund-of-Essex]

Please have a look at some of the past threads addressing your question.

DIN vs. RCA - an ageless favourite!

To make balanced worthwhile you really have to design everything in the electronics to be balanced throughout, otherwise you add extra circuitry and cost for no benefit; even then, the main advantage is really only seen when you use long interconnects - this why many Stateside amps are balanced, as their philosophy is long i/cs and short speaker cables. Naim is the opposite, preferring to keep i/cs short and speaker cables long (indeed they need to be long). Neither is absolutely right or wron…

If, after reviewing the past information available, feel free to update any further question you might have.

FYI, presently I am evaluating the difference between RCA and XLR interconnect into my Power Amplifiers on a 7m long cable run.

[feeling_zen]

@pumpexch can you perhaps give context to your question? None of the gear in your profile supports balanced connections, even when using XLR. I sense something prompted this line of inquiry. It might help to know what.

[GraemeH]

NSS 333 connection to NAC 332 - DIN or XLR?

I have a question regarding the connection of the 333 to the 332. Standard a 5 pin DIN cable is provided with the 333. Normally I replace the standard cables with Chord (Signature or Sarum) cables. My dealer has a demo set of Sarum XLR cables for a good price, but I doubt if should go for this offer or go for a (cheaper) Signature DIN cable.

This may also be of interest.

G

[Tapp]

I run two power amplifiers that can be connected by balanced/unbalanced.
On NC250:
input impedance is 47k ohms (balanced) compared to 34k ohms (single ended) so draws less current from the signal source and
because the amplifier is now fully balanced, the input stage comprises two Naim input gain stages per channel. This format is claimed to deliver “an unexpected improvement in sound quality,” which Naim says is supplemented by the accompanying redesign of the low-level, DR-stabilized supply rails.
On Quad Artera mono, Quad advise:
using XLR the signal transmitted to the amplifier is “cleaner” and free from earth-induced currents and other air-borne interference.
Both manufacturers recommend use of XLR if possible.

[PeakMan]

The manual for my active ATC speakers strongly recommends using balanced and warns of problems with unbalanced connection. Since the cable from preamp to speakers can easily be 10m or more, the noise rejection advantage of balanced operation is likely greater than from pre to power amp on the same rack.

Roger