[nopietns]

Can anybody explain what's the advantage of using a "balanced" calbe for headphones if two of the 3 are still connected together? How does it work?

 

[Kees]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nopietns /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can anybody explain what's the advantage of using a "balanced" calbe for headphones if two of the 3 are still connected together? How does it work?

Did you do a search?
This question is being asked WAY to often imo.
Beside +20040556998855968837 posts on HeadFi on this subject, read the Headroom site, they give a good explanation.

 

[nopietns]

The search engine on this forum is terribly weak, the link seems ok though.
Thanks.

 

[g5tar]

Ironically, my search brought me here

 

[JerryLove]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_audio
 
Instead of one incoming wave, you get two with one inverted before sending and after receiving. Any interference in the cable is canceled by recombining the original, and twice-inverted signal.

 

[Slackboy72]

Quote:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_audio
 
Instead of one incoming wave, you get two with one inverted before sending and after receiving. Any interference in the cable is canceled by recombining the original, and twice-inverted signal.

 
Here's a slightly less complicated explanation.
http://www.prosoundweb.com/article/unbalanced_vs_balanced_lines
It's hard to explain without drawing pictures.

In essence it's only useful if you have issues with audible external interference and noise which can occur if you are using large amounts of cable.

 

[JerryLove]

Quote:

In essence it's only useful if you have issues with audible external interference and noise which can occur if you are using large amounts of cable.

Exactly. They are used in pro-audio because it's not uncommon to have an interconnect a few hundred feet long. That doesn't really happen often in the consumer world.

 

[nikongod]

Or if you are trying to cancel certain types of distortion, particularly in amps without much (or any) global feedback.

 

[InnerSpace]

The OP wanted to know the point of a four-wire HP cable when it's terminated with a three-way TRS plug.  Answer: no point, except it allows easy retermination.