Running SE vs BAL?

[daytrader]

Is using a fully balanced dac with its RCA outputs, killing its full potential?

Its my understanding the advantages to using balanced interconnect cables is they stay quiet over long distances. Will using the RCA single ended outs from my balanced dac be a downgrade in sound quality?

Thanks

 

[PurpleAngel]

I would assume the RCA jack will be fine for your use.
I doubt a balanced jack (line-output) sounds better then a RCA jack (line-output), the balanced jack just protects the sound quality better.

 

[Deolum]

Am i the only one who thinks fully balanced sounds much better than SE?

Edit: Not sure about that anymore.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Am i the only one who thinks fully balanced sounds much better than SE?

I think it depends on exactly what gear. I don't think it's true in general. I think it is probably true with hard to drive headphones and some amps.

 

[Deolum]

I think it depends on exactly what gear. I don't think it's true in general. I think it is probably true with hard to drive headphones and some amps.

Yeah i'm not even sure anymore. I have only one headphone with SE and balanced cable and the cables are of different materials too. So can't do a very good comparison.

 

[ThanatosVI]

I guess in most modern gear there is only very little difference in sound, if at all.

Generally if you can use Balanced it's usually worth it. If you need to Stretch for it, it's most of the time not necessary.

That is for interconnects.
For headphone cables I'd recommend balanced whenever possible, singe most amps can deliver more Power over the balanced out, which in return can have a noteable impact on sound quality

 

[BassicScience]

Is using a fully balanced dac with its RCA outputs, killing its full potential?

Its my understanding the advantages to using balanced interconnect cables is they stay quiet over long distances. Will using the RCA single ended outs from my balanced dac be a downgrade in sound quality?

Thanks

Connecting balanced components with a single-ended cable is less than optimal. In most situations, you likely won't notice a dramatic audible difference, particularly listening to headphones.