Taking advantage of the Audient interface balanced outs... Should I?

[jonwb]

Hi... I have an Audient iD22 with balanced outs. My headphones are Senn HD6xx. Last week I bought a Topping L30 II and I'm liking the improvement over the iD22 HP amp. I've recently learned that I have the option of running the iD22 balanced outs into a balanced HP amp, and possibly changing the HD6xx cable to a balanced one.

I'm using this setup in a Pro Tools mixing environment. Honestly, I'm not caught up in the "balanced vs unbalanced" opinion war but since I have the option to do so, would you suggest I make the change?

(the L30 II is still returnable, the Topping L50 would be my choice)

 

[kemmler3D]

AFAIK the benefits of balanced connections are reduced interference, better noise rejection, and higher voltages. When it comes to headphone listening over short cables I am not sure you should expect any audible benefit, unless your headphones are underpowered or you're hearing interference.

 

[staticV3]

Honestly, I'm not caught up in the "balanced vs unbalanced" opinion war but since I have the option to do so, would you suggest I make the change?

I would not.
No improvement over the L30II + 1/4" headphone cable can be expected by upgrading to a balanced Amp + balanced cable.

 

[MaxwellsEq]

Balanced interconnects make sense, but if you have no noise, buzz , hum etc. the benefit may not be noticeable.

Balanced headphone connections are tougher to justify.

 

[jonwb]

Thank you very much all. No, currently with the Topping, there's no noise or hum and the HD6xx sound very dynamic with a bit better soundscape and separation.