What’s the difference between balanced and unbalanced connections?
In physical terms, a balanced connection consists of a three terminal connection having a “High” and “Low” for the signal and an independent ground (Generally in XLR connectors). An unbalanced connection is a two-pole connection where the signal “low” and ground are connected together and the signal “High” is on the other terminal (Generally “Phono” or “Cynch” connectors. Designing a high quality symmetrical output is an extremely difficult task, which, increases the cost of the output stage, offers no audible advantages, and no technical advantages, other than elimination of an AC mains loop. It is for these reasons, the outputs of the PL-P (like the majority of pre-amplifiers) use an asymmetrical “unbalanced” output through high quality gold plated RCA connectors. On the other hand, a High quality symmetrical input stage is a perfectly straight forward development, and it offers better isolation from noise than an asymmetric input, especially when the source is not located close to t
