It’s creating a differential signal from a single ended one. It will give you a true balanced output in that it will reject induced noise along the line after the transformer, and should also break a number of ground loop conditions (obviously only between the upstream and downstream components, if there is a loop before the transformer there is nothing it can do). It will not give you the increased signal dynamics of a balanced source since it’s completely passive.
Lacks a remote control -- frustrating -- but a solid recommendation.
I was extremely surprised that this isn't a common problem that folks are trying to solve-- It seems like especially with people in so many areas having to make do with smaller spaces, this would be a popular product. The rep at one of my local stores told me he knows recording studios that are accomplishing this with AV receivers. Attn, all you builders on ASR: If you were to design it, know you can sell at least one!
