Balanced interconnects for short runs?

[john22614]

I just purchased a new Outlaw 990 pre pro. It's their top of the line model and has balanced interconnect outputs that can hooked up to my Anthem amp.

Interested in anyone's opinion on wheter balanced interconnects offer noticeable sonic improvements over short distances.....in my case, six feet.
I really don't notice any noise problems in my current set up using standard blue jeans RCA interconnets.

Appreciate your thoughts. Thanks

[Silverti]

I looked into it pretty good when I got my Outlaw's. I was planning on getting an Integra pre pro with balanced out. What I read was pretty much the same that you note, balanced are better for longer runs but for 3 and 6 foot runs, not really different. That being said, if you got 'em, might as well use 'em

[Early B.]

Go with balanced cables, even if it's for piece of mind. On the design of some amps, balanced sounds better. But you won't know unless you try it.

[venomclan]

I heard no difference on short runs between my equipment. The balanced connections can help with ground loops. There are 2 different camps regarding short runs for XLR and RCA. Some high end brands use just RCA, some both. There are also "fully balanced" equipment which differs from just XLR connections, but that is another story. Try and see for yourself.
Venom

[heiney9]

On the design of some amps, balanced sounds better.

This is very true, but there aren't a whole lot of designs out there that actually specify that using the balanced output results in better sound. Monarchy and Pass come to mind. Several reviewers as well as the designer of Monarchy amps specify balanced mode to get the most from the amp.

The other thing to keep in mind is to really get any benefit from balanced connectors all the components in the chain should be balanced, that's rarely the case. The Monarchy and Pass stuff is the exception so I'm told.

H9

[rskarvan]

Add Krell to your exception list. Balanced amp circuitry results in a 6 db drop in the noise floor. This allows the subtle details of the music to pass through.

Balanced Amp, Balanced Preamp, & Balanced DAC for best performance!

[billbillw]

Really depends how the preamp and amp implement the balanced circuit and whether the entire circuit is a balanced design. True balanced circuits are rare and on many of the less expensive units, they use opamps to convert the balanced inputs/output, which will generally cause a degradation of sound. Obviously the higher end products that use a completely balanced design will sound better that way. I'd say, get a pair of cheap XLR cables from Bluejeans and try it. If it doesn't sound better, then sell them.

[venomclan]

Add Krell to your exception list. Balanced amp circuitry results in a 6 db drop in the noise floor. This allows the subtle details of the music to pass through.

Balanced Amp, Balanced Preamp, & Balanced DAC for best performance!

What amp do you use? I believe I have the same pre as you (Kav250p) and i heard no difference using balanced vs. rca to the amp, short runs.
Venom

[john22614]

I'm using an Anthem MCA 30.....3 channel/225 wpc at 8 ohms