Interconnects: Balanced vs RCA

[fishoften]

Hello Everybody,
Am sure this is a weekly post but, I have used RCA interconnects for years. I now have pre-amp and amp with choice between the two. Trying to get as much information/feedback as possible to steer in the right direction. Thanks for your time.

[engtaz]

I would rather go balanced if I had the option.

[janmike]

Another debatable topic. Over long distances the XLR is the preferred method. I use balanced IC's between my amp & pre and they are both fully balanced.

[mhardy6647]

I don't think it much matters, real-world, in the context of home hi-fi.

One potential advantage, though, of using balanced I/O for preamps/amplifiers is that it permits one to use a fully-complementary (push-pull, if you will) circuit topology throughout the preamp/amplifier. Normally, the signal is "single-ended" until it reaches a phase splitter prior to the (push-pull) output stage -- assuming the amp in question is, in fact, push-pull :-)

[zingo]

A balanced connection provides a hot pin, and cold pin, and a ground. Some claim that balanced connections have less noise and can help eliminate pops and thumps. You can get both kinds of cables for similar prices, so give the balanced a try.

[danger boy]

hi fishoften, welcome and where do you live? I am in Spokane.

For home audio use.. since cable runs are usually pretty short between components.. most people use unbalanced interconnects.. I don't think you would gain anything by going with balanced ones.. but if you are curious... there is no harm in going that route either.

here is a link to a pretty good read on balanced VS unbalanced
http://www.audioholics.com/education/cables/balanced-vs-unbalanced-interconnects

[fishoften]

Thanks one and all for information. For the time being I think I will use the unbalanced since A) I already have them 2) the distance is 20 inches from pre to amp and 3) I can save up for some other upgrade

Danger boy I am on the West side just a hair South of Tacoma.

[bknauss]

Balanced is the way to go. Better noise rejection and SNR.

[engtaz]

I like your chosen name, wish I could do it more often

[fishoften]

Balanced is the way to go. Better noise rejection and SNR.

Thanks for more information. I have been reading abit since my initial question and am going to go balanced. :D going to have a few unbalanced cables for sale soon. Also, what is snr?

[fishoften]

I like your chosen name, wish I could do it more often

:D Very big into Salmon, Halibut and Tuna off the coast.

[snow]

Thanks for more information. I have been reading abit since my initial question and am going to go balanced. :D going to have a few unbalanced cables for sale soon. Also, what is snr?Signal to noise ratio.

REGARDS SNOW

[kingkip]

I had a pretty nasty hum in my IB, and balanced cables cleaned it right up.

[fishoften]

I had a pretty nasty hum in my IB, and balanced cables cleaned it right up.

Thanks snow and kingkip. Not to look like a complete schmuck :eek: ...what is a IB?

[fishoften]

Well as long as I'm at it, Any suggestions or recommendations for a good middle of the road balanced cables, rough cost? I am using Audioquest copperhead rca between CD player and Monster Ultra 800 rca to amp. Thanks. My 2 channel (at the moment)
LSI 25's
Adcom 870 pre
Adcom 5802 amp
Denon 1930ci DVD/CD/SACD