Paul McGowan writes:
I never connect my stereo equipment with single ended cables if I can avoid their use.
Balanced cables always sound better.
I am surprised this is still new information for many people, and not just newbies entering the field.
Perhaps part of the reason is slow acceptance by manufacturers of audio equipment over the years. I can still remember Audio Research’s refusal to go balanced or, for that matter, add an IEC connector for aftermarket AC plugs. Bill Johnson, the head of Audio Research for many years, refused to even consider changing from what he considered perfect.
Most modern high-end audio gear has balanced ins and outs, if for no other reason than because they don’t want people to disqualify their product because it doesn’t have it—a silly reason but, hey, there are lots of silly decisions made by manufacturers.
If your setup has the benefit of XLR balanced ins and outs and you’re not using them, time to step up to the plate with the big boys.
It’s worth it.
