I know this has been discussed to some extent but I can't quite find the answers I'm looking for so here goes...
Can someone explain the benefits of balanced vs non balanced in a DAC (for my system)?
My situation is
Chromecast Audio Optical output --> DAC (yet to be chosen) --> RCA input of Active Speakers (5m cable run)
So if I had a balanced DAC and used the XLR outputs I would need to use a XLR to RCA adaptor at some point.
I have read things like this (here describing SMSL M300):-
"If you are going to utilize the balanced output of M300 mkii then it can be a very good option. But its RCA output performance much worse. "
And
"XLR’s are promoted by SMSL to be the balanced output. They can squeeze out 4.2Vrms current while the RCA output is rated at 2.1Vrms only. I conducted my test using the LSR305P MK2 active near-field monitors. I used both XLR and RCA. In my opinion, the layering and staging is the real difference between the two input types. The XLR has a clear superiority here."
So are we talking the benefit being reduced interference on XLR due to being a shielded cable?
But then I think there are shielded RCA cables so these could be used on an RCA output?
Or is it just that XLR just higher output (is that necessarily a good thing?)
You get the point about why I am confused….
For my length of run does it mean that shielded cable is the essential thing, whether true balanced XLR or RCA? I’m driving speakers here not headphones.
I MAY add a preamp after the DAC which I realise adds another layer of complexity. I’ll do so if I do not have adequate volume control just using the CCA only.
Then – passive or active preamp and what happens with balanced/unbalanced then?
Help!
Thanks
Can someone explain the benefits of balanced vs non balanced in a DAC (for my system)?
My situation is
Chromecast Audio Optical output --> DAC (yet to be chosen) --> RCA input of Active Speakers (5m cable run)
So if I had a balanced DAC and used the XLR outputs I would need to use a XLR to RCA adaptor at some point.
I have read things like this (here describing SMSL M300):-
"If you are going to utilize the balanced output of M300 mkii then it can be a very good option. But its RCA output performance much worse. "
And
"XLR’s are promoted by SMSL to be the balanced output. They can squeeze out 4.2Vrms current while the RCA output is rated at 2.1Vrms only. I conducted my test using the LSR305P MK2 active near-field monitors. I used both XLR and RCA. In my opinion, the layering and staging is the real difference between the two input types. The XLR has a clear superiority here."
So are we talking the benefit being reduced interference on XLR due to being a shielded cable?
But then I think there are shielded RCA cables so these could be used on an RCA output?
Or is it just that XLR just higher output (is that necessarily a good thing?)
You get the point about why I am confused….
For my length of run does it mean that shielded cable is the essential thing, whether true balanced XLR or RCA? I’m driving speakers here not headphones.
I MAY add a preamp after the DAC which I realise adds another layer of complexity. I’ll do so if I do not have adequate volume control just using the CCA only.
Then – passive or active preamp and what happens with balanced/unbalanced then?
Help!
Thanks