Balanced Audio Cables

btown1985

Hey guys, does anyone have insight on using balanced cables in conjunction with unbalanced analog rca's? Balanced from source to preamp but rca to amps. Is it worth the investment or is the standard to be completely balanced through the entire setup?

btown1985

Noticeable improvement in sound quality?

btown1985

Guess I should clarify, my amps are unbalanced only...hence the use of rca

txcoastal1

Then it would not be worth the investment.
Just an FYI, just because a unit has XLR connections does not mean it is truly balanced. Many manufacturers provide the connection for compatibilty.

You always have to read the specs

tonyb

It may help some, really depends on the quality of the components and how much line noise you have. Won't cost much to try out though.

btown1985

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Then it would not be worth the investment.
Just an FYI, just because a unit has XLR connections does not mean it is truly balanced. Many manufacturers provide the connection for compatibilty.

You always have to read the specs

Wow, sometimes I think they (manufactures) are out to get us man smh. Can be misleading but such is life.

btown1985

tonyb wrote: »

It may help some, really depends on the quality of the components and how much line noise you have. Won't cost much to try out though.

What do you think with my setup? I believe the Oppo is actually balanced but I'll have to research the Anthem

btown1985

Also, you guys have any recommendations on brands? I know, That is a very arbitrary question but I value the minds of those who share here

btown1985

I was running my Oppo as a preamp until about a week ago. Found a crazy deal on the Anthem and it was practically brand new. Oppo is doing the processing but I needed something to eliminate the noise issue I was experiencing.

chumlie

Nice set up you have. Really need to get those 9's off the bench.

btown1985

chumlie wrote: »

Nice set up you have. Really need to get those 9's off the bench.

Man, I know...They are awesome! When you hear the 705's with adequate power, great source material and good interconnects, they just can't but compared...its not fair at all. Like putting a honda against a corvette or something.

btown1985

Ok, not great with analogies maybe but you guys get my point. Should not be put in the same conversation.

tonyb

btown1985 wrote: »

I was running my Oppo as a preamp until about a week ago. Found a crazy deal on the Anthem and it was practically brand new. Oppo is doing the processing but I needed something to eliminate the noise issue I was experiencing.

Noise issue ? How so ? You sure it's line noise and not the fault of something else ?

Any well made balanced cable should do the trick if that's your fancy. Personally I don't hear all that much difference between brands in balanced cables.

Also, good point on not all gear being fully balanced just because it has the connections. If line noise is that audible, you may have other issues. You sure it's not a "hum" ? Maybe ground loop issue ?

btown1985

Wasn't a ground issue or hum I believe. Imagine hearing very soft, Transformer sounds (yes, the sci-fi/action movies lol) as the unit starts up, processes things like new input signals or between bluray menus or features. Really weird and as I stated, I have k-9 hears...everything is audible to me.

btown1985

The Oppo was connected directly to the amps via rca's, those same interconnects were used on other systems previously with no issues.

btown1985

Those sounds were louder/softer with the volume as well

tonyb

Do you have another pair of decent interconnects to try out ? Seems weird what your describing as I've never heard an OPPO sound like what your describing. Was the OPPO bought new, used, refurbed ? Also try a digital cable on the output and see if the same noise persists.

btown1985

Yeah, I changed them out but no improvement. I did buy a refurb but Oppo even admits to its use as a preamp never really being a priority or selling feature.

btown1985

I guess its intended use is a better explanation

EndersShadow

Most gear is "quasi-balanced". Examples my B&K 200.5 offers RCA and XLR inputs... its not "truly" balanced so the XLR *probably* isnt any diff than RCA.

If your not going balanced all the way then likely not worth it. If your going HDMI to pre-amp, then balanced may still be OK depending...

But sounds like your issue may be something other than the cable topology.

btown1985

Just to clarify the noise no longer exists as there is now a dedicated preamp after the Oppo. Sorry if I confused anyone, just looking to learn the benefits of the balanced vs. unbalanced connections and listen to any feedback from experiences.

btown1985

Thanks tho, I do appreciate the feedback!

vcwatkins

The Audioquest Panther 72v DBS XLR's I'm using now are significantly better than the MIT Proline's and another pair (Emotiva maybe) I had used previously.

Never experienced Oppo sounds like you're describing.

Edit: I think the Panther 72's are now Colorado.