Neumann KH120A Ground Connect/Lift?

[asrUser]

Hi, I got a miniDSP Flex with balanced outputs connected to the Neumann speakers. On the other outputs of the miniDSP there's a balanced headphone amp connected. If I switch Ground Connect on the speakers, then I experience ground loops on my headphones. Switching Ground Lift there is no ground loop. What exactly is the benefit of Ground Connect? Would it improve the sound? I use balanced cables, each one of them got a 3 pin XLR connector. Would Ground Lift just ignore the ground connection of the cables, so only + and - are transfered?

 

[DVDdoug]

I guess it sounds OK since you didn't mention any problems...

It should be fine as long as the speakers aren't picking-up hum. The ground in a balanced connection is just a shield, The cable is still shielded and grounded at one end. And if you actually have a ground loop there is another ground (via the power connection?) for any shielding built-into the speaker.

I'm guessing the headphone amp has a balanced output but unbalanced input? With balanced inputs ground loops are rarely a problem.

 

[asrUser]

I'm guessing the headphone amp has a balanced output but unbalanced input?

The amp has balanced input and I bought the right cables (symmetric).
The power connection of the loudspeakers have 3 power ends, 3rd one being earthing. miniDSP and my headphone amp only have 2 power ends.