Understanding Balanced Audio

Learn the difference between balanced "XLR" connections on audio devices and the role they play in headphone amplification.

[yottabyter]

Thanks Amir! Dude you are such a value in the HiFi world. Even if companies don't like you, consumers do! So happy you are on YT now.

[RobWhittlestone]

*Excellent explanation* of 'balanced inputs, 'differential headphone output' and 'balanced topology'. I always wondered what those 4-pin connectors for headphones really were.
My headphones get loud enough with no noticeable distortion, so I don't need differential headphone output. Thanks for doing this video, Amir. All the best, Rob

[leonardobenitodevalle]

Your lectures are always worth listening to. Thanks ever so much.

[peterphan]

Wow, I'm always amazed at how much I learn from each of your videos. Thank you!

[zyghom]

when you stopped counting sunny days by amount of sun but the new video from Amir ;-)

[BrianSantero]

I have learned more about audio science from this channel in the past week of binging than I have in 7-8 years of internet "research". Thank you Amir, great info, please keep up the awesome work!

[homerjones]

Yes, explains balanced/unbalanced characteristics for headphones and equipment that’s easy to understand. Also good to know the amount of benefit in going bal input and output depending on your circumstance.

[rawrj]

Love these videos. I can learn more in 20 minutes than I have in months of viewing random forum posts :x

[MachielGroeneveld]

This explains why I don't hear a difference between my balanced and unbalanced headphone cables. I'm glad my balanced cable is more practical (supple), so not complete waste of money.

[CatchyNameF]

Thank you ASR for this explanation. Lifted a veil tormenting me for years!!
Cheers!!🍺

[kevan]

Thank you! This was wonderfully informative and reaffirmed what I’ve learned from the ASR forums while teaching me/confirming what I’ve heard from my own gear regarding crosstalk and power requirements for my headphones.

[bigblueocean]

An Audio Science Easter Egg! Thanks Amir. :)

[nbuo]

One of the best audio channels out there, like this is top 5 out of thousands for sure.

[IsmaelMartinezPR]

Amir: another great video that illustrates that there are plenty reviewers that don’t know anything. Also please make a video debunking Directional RCA. Thanks

[TheRockerxx]

The best in the world! He helped me immensely in my hi end low price shopping.

[zainhassan]

All of this knowledge that is gushing out of this fountain is awe-inspiring and all of that feel good jazz Amir!

I'll be super keen to also understand how switching to balanced connections contributes to much better separated instruments and open sound. Like the difference is night and day for me, subjectively. This is what I experienced on some fairly decent IEMs initially when did some quick A/B listenings and it was like having an acid trip for the first time kinda big! :D

It changed the way I experience music for good and motivated me enough to switch my home listening to a balanced one too! Again big thanks for the invaluable reviews and measurements of studio monitors and DACs among others. Super enjoying learning something new everyday abour our fav hobby! More power to you!

Surely the snakey businesses won't like you, but you're a super hero to the rare good ones and us small potatoes :D

[willbrink]

Most useful discussion on the topic I have seen. Thanx

[Nitrium]

While I don't always agree with your reviews, Amir, I really do appreciate what you are doing here. You're one of the good guys. Keep the good content coming! Cheers!

[saverioricchiuto]

Nice one. Addressing that ground loop issue could be an interesting topic for a future lesson...cheers and thank you!

[garygriffiths]

Great video. Very helpful. I’ve been in the hobby for about 10 years but I learned a fair bit from this