To Balance, or not to Balance, that is the question...

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Obisix

Member
Joined 2015
Hey guys!

I am currently building a Honey Badger, and I really want to get the best out of it.

So I was thinking: Which is better: To build this circuit to unbalance my signal AFTER it has entered the amplifier

blog_Balanced-Input-Schematic.png


Or just use my balanced line out as unbalanced?
What makes the amplifier better?

If I take the balancing circuit, then it has to go through another circuit, thus reducing my beloved fidelity

If I take the unbalanced circuit, some RF can harm my signal too (although my cables won't be longer than 1.5m).

So what do you guys think? Which option should I use?
 
billshurv

billshurv

Member
Joined 2014
Paid Member
Partially thanks to Tom and also Bruno I feel balanced with good EMI filtering is a no-brainer, even with single ended sources. But that is me and my kids do think I'm odd :)

The THAT1200 series gives good CMRR and just for peace of mind I would chuck it in there.
 
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Speedskater

Speedskater

Member
Joined 2002
DF96 said:
RF can harm balanced audio too. For domestic audio I would always use unbalanced.
Click to expand...
Now that was an unexpected post.

One of Jim Brown's (the EMI/RFI expert) pet peeves is about poorly designed unbalanced inputs in hi-fi and Ham radio equipment. The poor designs make the equipment very sensitive to interference.

About 50 Jim Brown papers:
Audio Systems Group, Inc. Publications
 
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sgpu

Member
Joined 2012
limacon-audio.com
Thanks Bill. For example, my Meridian 568.2MM has analogue balanced outputs on the front three speakers. The specs say

3 x balanced outputs for left, right and center.
Outputs variable between 0 and 3.5Vrms, output impedance 47Ω

I don't really need to much higher, nor do I want to build a +/-15v supply as am using LP2985-50 for +5 from a 12v rail. Feed the output from the LM2985 into and LM2663 for -5v
 
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sgpu

Member
Joined 2012
limacon-audio.com
With the THA1200 how do you get to 0 to 3 v (centered around VMR 1.5v) suitable for going into into a differential ADC chip? The datasheet talks about traditional vout but I can't figure out how that applies to an ADC front end for shifting level. Google didn't return any diy kits using THA1200 to ADC or similar. The OP1632 is looking more appealing at the moment.
 
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Obisix

Member
Joined 2015
Ehrm okay.. That partially answered my questions.

Don't judge me, but I'm still learning and I really want to know which would be the Best.

I already have a Focusrite 18i8, which I want to connect to my Honey badger, but still no clue which is better.

Regards: Sebastian
 
sajti

sajti

Member
Joined 2003
Obisix said:
Ehrm okay.. That partially answered my questions.

Don't judge me, but I'm still learning and I really want to know which would be the Best.

I already have a Focusrite 18i8, which I want to connect to my Honey badger, but still no clue which is better.

Regards: Sebastian
Click to expand...

Szia,

if You use it at home, with short interconnect cable, I would not use any converter in the amp, just connect the+ phase of the balanced output.
If You use it in some different environment, I would use the the converter to avoid any grounding, or noise issues.

Sajti
 
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