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What is the strongest argument for balanced output? I.e. why do we need it? I'm asking because I have close to no knowledge about balanced output. Thanks!
I'd appreciate replies and comments from anybody (not just "thegrobe")!
Thanks!
I am certainly not an expert..so take my answer here with a grain of salt. The "balanced" amp and cable is a new concept to me. I just started looking into it since I pre-ordered the M8 and knew I would be jumping into a balanced setup.
Here is how I understand it -
(PLEASE someone correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just trying to share my understanding):
Unbalanced (3 cable) headphones has a plus signal for left, right, then a common ground. There can be some crosstalk or distortion caused by this common ground
....The balanced cable has 2 positive signals, one for each left and right headphone. Then 2 individual, separate negative for each left and right headphone. This accounts for 4 wires. The dual 3 pin XLR has two more wires (totaling 6) that can be used for a shield which goes to chassis ground. BUT....I read somewhere in the development blog or this thread that Michael mentioned the 4 pin XLR actually has a 5th terminal that can be used for a shield. So either the 4 pin XLR or dual 3 pin XLR will give you the balanced setup, plus shield, provided the cable is constructed properly. The advantage is no shared ground, so no chance of crosstalk, distortion, etc
Then the M8 is fully balanced, so there you go. The left and right audio signals are fully isolated.
As far as the listening or sound differences between balanced and unbalanced, someone else will have to answer because I have no experience. lol
Here is a website that has a little info as well as helpful diagrams to illustrate the difference between unbalanced and balanced:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/balancedheadphones/one.html
Cheers