Headphone Heights

RE: Balanced Headphone outputs?

108.234.77.201

Dawnrazor

A

In Reply to: RE: Balanced Headphone outputs? posted by jedrider on January 21, 2024 at 12:53:56

There are also balanced connectors on an xlr and a 4.4mm connector. The idea is that the amp/dac must be balanced and the balanced connector separates grounds. Its a bit different than balanced in line level connections where noise is cancelled.

Some say it makes a difference, and others not so much.

To get the benefits the chain needs to be balanced all the way through.

Cut to razor sounding violins

Follow Ups:

"To get the benefits the chain needs to be balanced all the way through" - RhythmDevil 10:54:56 01/23/24 (2)
Um... That's only mostly true. Certainly a fully balanced chain can offer benefits (but no guarantees).
But headamps can have balanced outputs but only single ended inputs by intent. For example, some custom headamps made by ECP feed a single ended signal into a parafeed circuit that drives output transformers for balanced outputs to the headphones.
Architecture matters, but implementation is more important.

Cerebrate!

Edits: 01/23/24 01/23/24
- RE: "To get the benefits the chain needs to be balanced all the way through" - Dawnrazor 14:07:41 01/23/24 (1)
  Interesting. Benchmark uses a balanced connector for the headphones but the circuitry isn't balanced throughout iirc.
  
  My Liquid Platinum makes a big deal about the amp not sounding its best if its not balanced and that the se connection is just there for convenience.
  
  Like most things in audio there are shades so please forgive me.
  
  Cut to razor sounding violins
  - RE: "To get the benefits the chain needs to be balanced all the way through" - Tre' 14:43:04 01/23/24 (0)
    People think of studio gear as being balanced and some of it is but most of it has a balanced input and a balanced output but the circuitry in between is single ended.
    
    Tre'
    
    Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
    "Still Working the Problem"

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Parts Connexion