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Balanced confusion in high end audio

I don't know if there's any way to get manufacturers to simplify the balanced line message. It does not help when competent manufacturers like Manley use the word when talking about headphone connections!

I use the phrase '4 wire connection'; that way you get that two wires are for one channel and 2 are for the other.

A preamp or amplifier can be internally single-ended but have balanced inputs and outputs. Ampex made tube tape electronics in their pro line back in the 1950s that were exactly that. FWIW the headphone output was 4 wires since their electronics like the 351 tape electronics were mono. So the headphone output was mono too.

If Pass Labs makes headphone amps that don't have a 4 wire connection, they are missing a bet. The difference is instantly audible.



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