[ken6217]

Is it preferable to listen to these on a balanced amp rather than single ended if given the choice?
 
Thanks,
Ken

 

[Currawong]

Ken,
 
There are many kinds of amp circuit design, the vast majority outputting a signal through a conventional headphone socket. It just happens that designs that use balanced circuits require a different termination as the signal doesn't return along the ground as in a conventional amp. So, to answer, not necessarily.

 

[ken6217]

I know the concept. To ask in a different way, if I had to equal high quality portable amps, would these headphones sound better balanced or single need. Obviously balanced has a different presentation than non balanced in terms of soundstage etc.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[temporaryname]

I know the concept. To ask in a different way, if I had to equal high quality portable amps, would these headphones sound better balanced or single need. Obviously balanced has a different presentation than non balanced in terms of soundstage etc.
Thanks,
Ken

I would never use the word 'obviously'. I personally couldn't hear a difference when I a/b a balanced set up so ymmv.