Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions.png?auto=format&fm=jpg&fit=fill&w=46&h=46&fill=solid&fill-color=fff&bg=fff&dpr=1&q=70)
Showing 1 of 126 conversations about:
Thechansen
33
Mar 31, 2018
bookmark_border
As some one who cannot hear a difference with expensive DACs and solid state amps, but who has never heard balanced gear before: should I even bother looking into it?
jgp1212
291
Apr 3, 2018
bookmark_border
ThechansenYou should certainly give it a try.
I find that the extra power it gives at least reduces the likelihood of distortion. As well as giving a nice level of clarity.
I find that the extra power it gives at least reduces the likelihood of distortion. As well as giving a nice level of clarity.
WaydeR
56
Apr 23, 2018
bookmark_border
ThechansenNo. Balanced is for long cable runs, unless you're running lines across rooms you don't need balanced. People on this forum are talking about "noise", as in balanced has less noise... is noise, as in s/n even a problem balanced sets out to solve? I thought the only reason professional audio studios etc. use balanced is for signal strength and interference?
But for short runs, anything around 6-feet cables, there are no audible gains to be had from using balanced anything. It's only bragging rights, even if the only person you're bragging to is yourself. On-paper it looks interesting. But it's no better than the standard unbalanced headphone jack.
But for short runs, anything around 6-feet cables, there are no audible gains to be had from using balanced anything. It's only bragging rights, even if the only person you're bragging to is yourself. On-paper it looks interesting. But it's no better than the standard unbalanced headphone jack.
WaydeR
56
Jun 15, 2018
bookmark_border
darwinMaybe, there are definitely technical specifics that go much deeper than my own understanding. But I believe the current popularity of balanced in/out for headphone setups requiring only runs of cable are getting minimal, if any benefit. It looks good on-paper so, why not use it if available. But doubt the practical benefits to sound quality.
That said, I run risk of hypocrisy because I use a balanced-ready rig at home and exclusively use balanced on my Audeze LCD3s, I love it. But in this case balanced provides a valuable extra output when I'm switching between different headphones.
But in my own (unscientific) testing with friends, I have yet to meet anyone who can actually hear the difference between the balanced output or quarter-inch headphone jacks.
Like fancy cables, there are a lot of people project a quasi-religious faith that expensive peripherals included in their gear will bring significant gains in sound quality. I'm a skeptic.
It's not just me, Tom Nousaine was one of the great hi-fi writers from the pre-digital age who did a lot of interesting controlled tests on audiophiles, sound engineers and hobbyests alike. His A/B/X testing on variants of very high-end audio rigs were legendary. He basically concluded that audiophiles tend to overestimate improvements when "high-end" peripherals are added to a sound system.
One in particular test I found amusing was when he took two of the same Carver power amp, and on one of them he replaced the power LED indicator light, the standard was blue but on one of the amps he replaced it with a red LED. He asked a panel, that could only see the face of the two amps, to describe differences in sound between the two amps. The panel of audiophiles and hi-fi journalists and engineers included Bob Carver himself, designer of the amp being used in the test.
The audience claimed to hear distinct differences between the two amps that roughly corresponded to the colour of the LED. The red LED amp frequently described as warm, colourful. The blue - cool, analytical. The punchline being that they were the same amp!
He did many more of these controlled tests of psychoacoustics at a Michigan or Massachusetts audio club he belonged to.
I believe, as Nousaine did, that we project a lot of our perception of sound quality based on unconscious biases.
I'm not saying balanced is bad by any means, I just question whether you're getting any practical value from it on a very short run. But hey, if the option is available I think it's worth it - just cuz.
That said, I run risk of hypocrisy because I use a balanced-ready rig at home and exclusively use balanced on my Audeze LCD3s, I love it. But in this case balanced provides a valuable extra output when I'm switching between different headphones.
But in my own (unscientific) testing with friends, I have yet to meet anyone who can actually hear the difference between the balanced output or quarter-inch headphone jacks.
Like fancy cables, there are a lot of people project a quasi-religious faith that expensive peripherals included in their gear will bring significant gains in sound quality. I'm a skeptic.
It's not just me, Tom Nousaine was one of the great hi-fi writers from the pre-digital age who did a lot of interesting controlled tests on audiophiles, sound engineers and hobbyests alike. His A/B/X testing on variants of very high-end audio rigs were legendary. He basically concluded that audiophiles tend to overestimate improvements when "high-end" peripherals are added to a sound system.
One in particular test I found amusing was when he took two of the same Carver power amp, and on one of them he replaced the power LED indicator light, the standard was blue but on one of the amps he replaced it with a red LED. He asked a panel, that could only see the face of the two amps, to describe differences in sound between the two amps. The panel of audiophiles and hi-fi journalists and engineers included Bob Carver himself, designer of the amp being used in the test.
The audience claimed to hear distinct differences between the two amps that roughly corresponded to the colour of the LED. The red LED amp frequently described as warm, colourful. The blue - cool, analytical. The punchline being that they were the same amp!
He did many more of these controlled tests of psychoacoustics at a Michigan or Massachusetts audio club he belonged to.
I believe, as Nousaine did, that we project a lot of our perception of sound quality based on unconscious biases.
I'm not saying balanced is bad by any means, I just question whether you're getting any practical value from it on a very short run. But hey, if the option is available I think it's worth it - just cuz.
Related Posts
LostnAmerica
Sound Signature of the Grell Project.
Wondering what type of sound signature the Drop Grell project headphones will have or trying to attain. Any update would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2024
Fabulous
Looking for a gaming/content audio setup
Hello! I'm looking for recommendations on audio setups. I'd be planning on using it mostly for gaming. Preferably I'd like a pair of large closed back headphones since I have a big head and jaw. I'd also like to hear myself through my mic with mic monitoring. As far as budget goes, I don't really have one. But under 600$ would be nice. I can go higher if needed. The audio setup would be connected to a high performance PC. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Apr 4, 2024
1plsd
$10 Drop Coupon Email not sent?
Trying to buy some gear off Drop for the first time. I was told I would receive an email with a welcome to drop $10 off promo. I never received that email. Drop was able to send me emails for my login token and email for Password update. But for some reason the $10 off coupon was never sent to me.
Mar 31, 2024
Mr.Hazmat
What would be a good portable Dac/Amp to use with my HD6xx and Sony Xperia 1 V cell phone?
I am new to this hobby. I purchased a HD6XX and plan to use it with my Sony Xperia 1 V cell phone, that has a 3.5mm jack. I was wondering if I needed a portable dac/amp or just a portable amp and if so what would one recommend? Any assistance one could provide, would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Haz
Mar 7, 2024
JonathanWB
Invest in Balancing my HD6xx headphones?
Hi... I'm a songwriter/producer. I have Drop Senn HD6xx HPs. I just bought a Topping L30 II SE HP amp to enhance my monitoring. It honestly sounds pretty good. The audio interface I'm using (an Audient iD22) has balanced outs. For those of you who've listened to the HD6xx using balanced amps and cables, do you think I should invest in that kind of setup to take advantage of the Senns potential?
Feb 22, 2024
adiaz7531
B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver
Hello! Has the AudioEngine B1 Bluetooth Music Receiver ever been available here as a Drop?
Feb 15, 2024
Trending Posts in Audiophile
Simthaniel
Rigs
Modded headphones with qudelix at the core
When I received the Qudelix 5K, I had already modified a pair of Superlux HD-681 headphones. I previously soldered my own balanced connections to the drivers, providing multiple ways to connect and...
Apr 14, 2024
brothamike
A decent set of IEMs
I am in the midst of a 300 hour burn-in but, I will say I am enjoying how this set sounds so far. Before I received these which was btw late by a few weeks, I purchased a Sony/Kimber Kable MMCX...
Apr 12, 2024
merrick97
Should I exchange the PC38X for better headphones?
I bought the PC38X headphones FOR GAMING and they are great, but I have NO use for a Microphone since I don't do competitive gaming and I was wondering if there were better headphone options at a similar price without a headphone, where (presumably) more of the cost was put into making it sound better. I also find that my PC38X don't get quite as loud as I would like and I was wondering if a cheap amp like the iFi Go link would draw a little more volume out of my phones. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN6MM822?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I went with the PC38X since it was considered the best bang for buck headphones. I care most about using spatial apps like DOlby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X. Suggestions are welcome.
Apr 11, 2024
LostnAmerica
Sound Signature of the Grell Project.
Wondering what type of sound signature the Drop Grell project headphones will have or trying to attain. Any update would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2024
Fabulous
Looking for a gaming/content audio setup
Hello! I'm looking for recommendations on audio setups. I'd be planning on using it mostly for gaming. Preferably I'd like a pair of large closed back headphones since I have a big head and jaw. I'd also like to hear myself through my mic with mic monitoring. As far as budget goes, I don't really have one. But under 600$ would be nice. I can go higher if needed. The audio setup would be connected to a high performance PC. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Apr 4, 2024
1plsd
$10 Drop Coupon Email not sent?
Trying to buy some gear off Drop for the first time. I was told I would receive an email with a welcome to drop $10 off promo. I never received that email. Drop was able to send me emails for my login token and email for Password update. But for some reason the $10 off coupon was never sent to me.
Mar 31, 2024
NMPacella
New here
Hello, I just joined, primarily for the audiophile products. Looking at purchasing the NHT C3 speakers for our new living room. Space is about 15 feet wide by 33 long and they will fire long ways. Space is just for general listening, music room with all equipment is downstairs, so hoping they will fill it with sound nicely. Cheers.
Mar 18, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop