Sure, can see how this can be confusing.
TBH, think I was too, until did some reading and research, to figure out the differences.
So, there is (1) balanced (2) unbalanced (2) pseudo balanced.
Rather than attempt a detailed explanation here, maybe just do some research online.
Lots of wiring diagrams out there, explaining how this works for DIN to RCA Phono or DIN to XLR, etc, etc.
As the PMC Twenty “Active Upgrade Kit” has both RCA phono and XLR inputs, you have a choice. As an aside, ATC speakers only have XLR inputs.
When the active PMC’s first come into our house, last year 2024, we used 4DIN ( Naim psu ) to RCA phono ( PMC active upgrade kit ). Our dealer @basicallysound supplied this custom speaker cable, maybe 5m. However, as we are now also considering bringing ATC speakers into the house too, so we have just recently swopped to 4DIN ( Naim psu ) to XLR ( for both PMC or ATC ) - maybe 6.5m, just to allow for this option. Works fine with our system ( NAC282 + SCDR → PMC 20.23i active ). I was a little sceptical that longer cable lengths ( for pseudo balanced ) may lead to issues with “noise”. But happy to report - in our house - our system - we are using 6.5 or 7m long cable 4DIN to XLR and it is as clean as a whistle, no problem.
One last comment - another option for Naim OC systems - is the solution suggested above, last post. To convert into balanced with the use of transformers, etc. (Personally, wish to avoid this extra clutter, but has advantage of allowing any length of speaker cable you like, no risk of “noise”, etc).
Finally, moving over to Naim NC - such as NSC222 or NAC332 - allows fully balanced, with XLR, as balanced audio line was intended to be.
(Note : Only adding these extra notes, for completeness, in case this post is read by others interested)
Hope that helps on this topic ?
Good luck
R
