Balanced vs Unbalanced Cables | What is the difference? Which is better?

Today I explain the difference between balanced and unbalanced cables. This question was asked in the comments by Jim Dowell from the Panasonic UB9000 video (bit.ly/TDUB9000) **Click SHOW MORE to check out the cables used in the video**
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[@azlanpermatahati]

Never knew so much about the differences...until TechnoDad explained about them here in this video! Thanks, TechnoDad!!!

[@TechnoDad]

You're welcome!

[@manzanaresantonio]

To those of y'all that want to know the difference, it is simple. I connected the balanced and the unbalanced cables from my tube pre-amp to my tube power amp. The Balanced cable signal was louder and quieter(less noise floor), so yes it makes a difference in sound quality. Balanced cables are better, that's why they are used in high end audio equipment!

[@kvnklbngr4801]

Hey man, great Vid you made there, very helpful! One thing though - I think you meant to say "balanced" instead of "unbalanced at around 3:39. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@TechnoDad]

My bad!

[@caesarc.4079]

Love your channel and reviews. Your videos are very informative and your presentation is getting better everyday. Your becoming my AV mentor.

[@TechnoDad]

Thanks Cesar!!

[@Marc1973Dez]

this is the very best and practical explanation about the difference between them. GREAT vid.

[@TechnoDad]

Glad you liked it!

[@hubertg7100]

Great video! I have a pioneer DJM 350 & RCF powered speaker 750W. This set up is used for backyard gathering. For connections, I used an RCA to XLR which is connected to the XLR that extend to my speaker and 3.5mm to XLR to my phone or IPad for streaming I-Tune. The system bang but after 1 to 2hrs, the audio drop. I changed my XLR wire to no avails. It does that each time. If the wire were bad the sound would drop from the get go. Maybe the rca and the 3.5mm need to be balance. What do you think? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[@matthewpenna1711]

Well done on explaining the difference on connectors! Great way of presenting information. Thank you!

[@stofferrussell]

Thanks for the straight forward review. So for half metre interconnects, not a major difference. My amp just has RCA but my digital pre amp and DAC has the balanced outputs as well as RCA.

[@fadimohamad6792]

Hello Techno Dad , one question here which no answer found anywhere on the web , Since my AVR and Amp are close to each other( 3-4 feet) is it worth going for XLR's ? If yes what do you think of XLR's to RCA connection since on my X3600H (since you had it) you know there are no XLR's outputs ? can we say it is waste of $ or it is still better than going with RCA's connection ? Thank you for every video you make , I have learned from each one something new that will come handy in my HT setup !! BR

[@HometheaterEnthusiast]

Atlast a meaningful question 😀

[@Quantum-Entangled]

You've made it much easier to understand! I'm buying a used Pioneer S-DJ50X which has an unbalanced RCA jack beside balanced TRS and XLR. Wanted to know if the single port of unbalanced RCA be used for 3.5 mm aux cable input?

[@TechnoDad]

If you mean using a 3.5mm to RCA cable or adapter, yes.

[@JakeJon]

Great stuff. The only bit that confused me is at the end when you said Top music equipment has unbalanced XLR‘s which I’m assuming was a mistake?

[@TechnoDad]

Oh sorry...yeah, I made a mistake.

[@JakeJon]

@@TechnoDad no apology needed. Thank you for your tutorial. I learnt a lot. 👍🏾

[@D1Calderon]

Very informative TD, keep up the great work! So... does that mean there are speakers with XLR connections as well? Or does that even matter? Curious

[@realchristopher4334]

Dayum! The image is clear as the Sun! The 'flipping' business haunted me for a long time, if not a very long time! So, that means the flipped signal (if using DI unit) must be placed the closest to the microphone, am I correct? Any signal flipped later is useless. In the case of balanced microphone that DI circuit is designed right within the microphone body /capsules. Did I answer myself again? Hehehe!

[@limitlessstudiosprod.9710]

I want to know if there are any noticeable differences of balanced and unbalanced cable in using studio monitor speakers. Because my interface have RCA n my speakers have only balanced TRS and XLR input. Should I upgrade my interface for this?

[@VictorKibalchich]

there is no difference at all, the only reason you would want to use balanced is if your cable run is more than about 15 feet

[@siddharthsaraswat]

Thank You very very much for explaining this topic with those cool illustrations.

[@chrishunt9675]

Any experience with xlr to rca cables?My new amp has both but the denon only unbalanced. Wandering if there’s a true benefit with those besides looking cool.

[@aricmeinerts8667]

Could you show us your preferred method of ripping into flac? And also possibly Blu-ray’s? I recently found your channel and have been loving it

[@ernsttech5255]

Do you recommend TO use XLR to RCA cables?

[@oscardesouza9573]

Your video explains well excellent Job. Just want a answer from your goodself how to used pro mixer/Equaliser with RCA input amplifier. Waiting for answer then I will let you know issues I am facing. Thanks

[@jr62inhometheater98]

Thanks for the information. And of course introducing another upgrade. I New they were there and what they do. But I thought if I ignored them I could avoid spending more $$$. But now that I have seen your video I will definitely make sure my next amp and Pre/Pro will have them.

[@TechnoDad]

You don't really need them

[@jr62inhometheater98]

Techno Dad My wife thanks you.

[@SameerGurung1975]

My HD599 cable has a 2.5 mm connector that goes into the headphone and a 3.5mm connector that goes into the source. The 2.5mm side has 3 black rings while the 3.5mm side has 2 rings. Is this a balanced cable?

[@nicholasbarone]

Great video. Question... I'm doing a wedding this weekend and I need cables to plug from my H4n Pro to the DJ Mixer. What is the best to use? And between the two, would balanced or unbalanced be best for it?

[@TechnoDad]

Hi Nicholas, great question! I just did this for the videographer at the wedding. Since I use XLR out to my main QSCs and booth out to my KRK monitor, I had used the Master 2 RCA out to go into his Zoom H6 to record the audio for the speeches. The videographer had a dual RCA to dual 1/4" cable. Depending on what kind of PAs you have, you could go XLR out from your PA into your Zoom if you want to go balanced. Only thing is that will be mono unless you're pulling off both PAs. So you have some options but I just use the dual RCA from Master 2 to dual 1/4" male to input into the Zoom H6. Hope that helps!

[@nicholasbarone]

That does. I appreciate it. Keep with the awesome vids.

[@danielgermano5026]

i watched a lot of videos trying to figure this out this one was by far the best thanks techno dad!

[@TechnoDad]

You're very welcome Daniel. I'm glad you found my video!

[@blanchedesmas]

I have FiiO M11 PRO and I use a HiFiMan Sundara helmet. I was suggested to upgrade my Sundara cable for a better quality cable. I am recommended a Meze 99 Classics Series to improve the sound of my Sundara helmet. Meze has this cable with 2.5 mm OR 3.5 mm.Which one do you think I should choose? And would this change really benefit me in terms of audio improvement.Thanks in advance for your attention.

[@TechnoDad]

That's a tough question, Francois. You would almost have to try it and see if it works out for you. I can't say as I don't have those products to test. Cables are a crazy thing. Some people hear a difference, others don't. I, personally don't hear a difference in cables.

[@VictorKibalchich]

cables make literally no difference

[@D1Calderon]

Have you heard any difference in sound quality for subwoofers with XLRs vs RCA?

[@johnnyrocco123]

If I have an unbalanced output and I am going into a balanced input, does it hurt to use TRS to TRS? Would there be a quality difference If I used TS to TRS vs TRS to TRS? These are short 6 foot cables.

[@leeanbasaenmusic]

I have a studio monitor with TRS and RCA ports. While my audio interface has RCA ports only. Which cable would you recommend? RCA-to-RCA cable or TS-to-RCA cable?

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! I would go RCA to RCA

[@jimminyxmas]

Decent explanation vid, thanks. Just some advice: to clarify your visual aids, maybe label them BALANCED and UNBALACED for reference.

[@TechnoDad]

Thanks for the feedback, Michael!

[@CTsoX]

Nicely articulated. Love your slides.

[@TechnoDad]

Thanks!

[@scotm3599]

Best explanation I've seen yet

[@rhanzdanielaquino9245]

Sir i need a little and would be a great help for me, which of those do you recommend for keyboards/piano, balanced or unbalanced?

[@dylanthomsen9771]

So it really doesn’t make a difference if you have/are using a cable under 15 feet? Or can you still tell a difference in audio quality?

[@TechnoDad]

Not a huge deal for short runs. But if you want the best noise removal, balanced is the way to go.

[@kato1400]

Corrections: Unbalanced (ts tipped) cables do not introduce more noise or interference over longer distance. They actually loose signal strength over a longer distance. Why? Since the shield carries the return signal, the shield being a larger gauge than the hot wire has a much lower impedance to ground than hot, hence unbalanced. On other hand, balanced cables carry signals on same gauge wires with equal impedance to ground so thus can run very long distances. XLRs are found especially in surrounds outs as they need long runs to various powered speakers in the home theater design.

[@Utaku_da_gamer437]

I ordered a Rockville monitor that uses only TS and RCA...if I get a extremely short TS cable will it work as well?

[@kato1400]

@@Utaku_da_gamer437 yes. If the monitor is passive, use speaker cables.

[@Utaku_da_gamer437]

@@kato1400 ty🤞

[@tomconnell7154]

Do you recommend using a Balanced XLR to Unbalanced RCA Adapter Interconnect or is that unnecessary?

[@TechnoDad]

Hi Tom! What are you trying to connect, I'm a little lost...

[@tomconnell7154]

@@TechnoDad just regular rca from receiver out to amp, and wondering if these would make any difference going from rca into this adapter to the XLR of the outlaw amp

[@yaqubaxamee9146]

had dad, i have a question , i just got a trs ( double ring ) to xlr male ( i got for to record direct guitar to my interface to use amp sim ) its workrd perfect ,no noise there but problem is not of my control works vol 1 vol 2 tone and even pickup selector .doesnt work at all .any idea plz?

[@renehr9589]

I have a question?, Wath do you think, Yamaha RX-A3080 for my home theater, or what do you recommend, i think this is a complete receiver

[@demir.mp4]

a clear, simple and very useful explanation.

[@bryanp4827]

To be completely honest Channa, having xlr connectors on bluray players is a little silly and only suited to a select few...my Oppo of course has them, but my best option is to only use rca connectors, as i am running my Yamaha avr, and it is a pre amp to my NAD power amp...not high end, but pretty damn good if i must say

[@vader540is]

Nice video! I have a long run for one of my subwoofers. I use a Mediabridge ULTRA Series Subwoofer Cable (25 Feet) - Dual Shielded with Gold Plated RCA to RCA. I have never seen a subwoofer with a XLR connection... Is that because LFE signals Don't gather much nosie?

[@BattleshipSailorBB63]

Pretty sure I remember that my SVS PB16 Ultras do have XLR. However, my Marantz AVR doesn't have an XLR output for it. I'd probably need to upgrade to seperates for that.

[@TechnoDad]

Hi! Most higher-end subwoofers have XLR inputs. I have the SVS PB-4000 and it has XLR inputs. You would need a pre-amp/processor to utilize those. Most AVRs just don't have XLR outputs...

[@jkevinAH]

so basically, if im just connecting near (less than 15ft), its okay to use unbalanced. I'm watching this with my new speaker/monitor presonus eris 3.5 in mind as im just using this for my PC desk. I've heard about the unbalanced problem from a review so i was worried but i just have it connected to my pc on the same desk. Thanks for the video!

[@TechnoDad]

Yes, you are correct! Thank you for watching!

[@bluda7297]

Did you mean to say balanced at 3:44? I got confused

[@juandv930722]

what happens if a use a balanced rca cable as is the case with most mogami cables the use to make rca interconnects to connect a cassette deck ?

[@cherpa007]

Hi Techno Dad, so from understanding of your explanation balanced cables are the superior cable but then you go on to say at 3:39 that most high end amps use unbalanced cables, was that just a slip of the tongue or have I got my wires crossed. 🧐 You go on to clarify at the end of the video. I should have waited before posting. 😬

[@robertkilbourne323]

Is there any way to damage a mixer/amp/effects box etc. by using an unbalanced cable instead of balanced? Or mixing balanced and unbalanced cables?

[@TechnoDad]

I don’t think so. At the very worst, it’s probably a matter of just introducing more interference.

[@jimdowell1729]

You sir are a gentleman indeed! Haha! I was a bit out of it so I just got to this video. Again, very well done indeed! Cheers and keep em coming! (Ps hooray for slides!)

[@fabiozagoo]

2 meter, have difference between XLR and RCA ?

[@eduardosaldevar2450]

Whats better connector for audio low freq(bass)?

[@briangocher3210]

Dude, thanks. I've gone decades never bothering to learn the dif. Shame on me, Good on you.

[@TechnoDad]

You’re welcome, Brian!

[@andramachespapa6143]

If my pre oit from avr is rca and i have option to go xlr on my parasound is that better to use then rca on both ends?

[@TechnoDad]

Either way, it's unbalanced, so I don't think it will make that much of a difference.

[@fernandonavarro6783]

can i connect an unbalanced cable into a balanced input?

[@walkerstriplingremodelingr2751]

Great video and great way to teach it

[@sivasankar3349]

நன்றி.... If you can translate this in English. Love from India😍

[@oscardesouza9573]

How to connect balance cable to unbalanced cable. In other words XLR to RCA connection / Wiring please thanks

[@jimdowell1729]

another idea would be to have a basics (ala basics with babish; another channel thats amazing! :P) on impedance and how that can affect buying decisions for avr's, speakers or both. what do ohms mean? not only in terms of what it actually refers to, but in terms of what you should be looking for when it comes to the power that your avr/amp is delivering and what your speakers can handle. no need to credit me again TD :P thanks!

[@TechnoDad]

Great idea!

[@MarkBonerea]

how do you get 2!!! signals from electric guitar from which 1 is inverted in relation to another?

[@TechnoDad]

You don't. Guitars are unbalanced so there is only one signal.

[@kendalltull9854]

Good video that very simply explained the differences.

[@TechnoDad]

Thanks Kendall!

[@gibluap]

What are your thoughts about the hybrid XLR - RCA cables?

[@TechnoDad]

Those will work but they will not be balanced

[@gibluap]

@@TechnoDad agreed! Just wondered your thoughts

[@DarinBuss]

Great video , you explained very well

[@cocosloan3748]

No he didnt..Wat does it means: "the cable flips its polarity" and then at the end of the cable-it flips it again..Who does the flipping? Signal is either in phase or out of phaze..It cant flip at the beginning of cable and then flip again at the end..Didnt get it at all...

[@TechnoDad]

Hi Jule, the flipping occurs at the source and destination. The cable doesn't do the flipping. The Pre-amp/Processor flips the signal since it has a Balanced Output and the Amplifier flips it back once the signal enters the Balanced Input.

[@cocosloan3748]

@@TechnoDad Thanks for explaining .I got it now..

[@henryconga58]

TD, I seen on imaxenhanced.com TCL tv are going to have a IMAX enhaced model.

[@poumcheck1039]

Well explained! Thanks man!

[@TechnoDad]

You’re very welcome!

[@CraigLafferty]

Incredible explanation!

[@TechnoDad]

I’m glad you liked it Craig!

[@WhiteLily777]

how is it happens that signal gets flipped? what mechanism do they use to do that?

[@TechnoDad]

Hi Lily, it's actually the components at the beginning and end that flip the signal. So the Pre-amp (Source) will flip it before the getting into the cable, and then the Amplifier (Destination) will flip the signal back while exiting the cable.

[@WhiteLily777]

@@TechnoDad cool! thank you!

[@N1ghtwave_05]

Makes sense.. Much needed tip

[@David25522]

Great video! and great information thanks Techno Dad!!!

[@TechnoDad]

Thank you for watching!

[@markdance574]

As always very informative- 👍 Here’s an odd idea us guys think home cinema is a male ish past time how about technodad launches a prize for the most involved most support wife best pictures and testimony wins a t shirt and some time in one of your reviews

[@blackmetalbushcraft3476]

Have you ever installed a FM antenna to a stereo reciever?

[@TechnoDad]

Not in a loooong time...

[@blackmetalbushcraft3476]

@@TechnoDad any videos or tips to improve reception? 70 ohm vs 300 ohm?????

[@blanchedesmas]

Great review

[@TechnoDad]

Thank you!

[@JayPatrol]

What if your subwoofer doesn't have xlr inputs

[@38special4ever]

Unless the source and destination are truly balanced, RCA might be a better choice for shorter cable runs. The opamps required to inverse the "balanced" signal also degrades the quality.

[@Audioholics]

Very true point. I've measured many consumer "balanced" products and their XLR outputs are nothing more than a phase splitter instead of a fully differential design. I've either measured similar SNR and distortion or worse via XLR. Good video Technodad but don't discount unbalanced double braided and foil shield cables work great even for very long runs. Belen 1694A all day baby!

[@TechnoDad]

Word!! I just moved my subwoofer around and need a good unbalanced RCA for a 12 foot run. I’ll check those out!

[@Audioholics]

@@TechnoDad I run 1694 through drywall around the house up to 50ft runs passing analog and digital audio and 1080p video. Never a problem.

[@12schnsaint]

i use both actually but its really because the one amp doesn't have xrl connections.

[@eobemedike4242]

i love, very clear now

[@TechnoDad]

Nice!

[@scottyo64]

I bought a new 2 channel system just so I could run a balanced set up. Took a bit to find a DAC that I could afford that had balanced outs'

[@TechnoDad]

Nice!

[@khoi83]

Smsl su-8 or su9!!!!

[@bikdav]

That was helpful.

[@TechnoDad]

Thank you, David!

[@armandohernandez1879]

Can beoplay h9i use balance cables?

[@AGC828]

Maybe you could do a video to compare. Can we actually hear a difference? Even through a KZbin video... While you're at it can you explain why on the back of a power amp why there is only one jack (red) leading to the speaker and not the usual red/white or red/black. Just noticed this looking at a photo of the back of a the 7 channel Marantz 150w into 8 ohms amp...has balanced for 2 subs as well..can switch between balanced and unbalanced... And since there is just the "red' to speaker (from the power amp) jack...red to red...are there cables designed specifically (I'm sure there are)...please talk about them as well...

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

On short runs there is not advantage. Still waiting on the directional RCA's that you touted in one of your videos.

[@TechnoDad]

Lol! Yeah, directional RCAs is probably a bunch of nonsense. Directional HDMIs actually don’t work in the wrong direction

[@stevenjacks3701]

I heard that they make a difference in short runs too as long as your amp and pre amp are of a true balanced design, iv not tested this and i am curious as my primare is a balanced design but im unsure whether the marantz sr8012, my next av amp is

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

@@stevenjacks3701thanks for the comment. Exactly you heard. There should be no difference in short runs. Another way for gear manufacturers to sell you more irrelevant stuff. If you see the cables used in pro gear, many are really utilitarian, balanced connection just eliminate the chance of radio interference. In a pro setup you use wireless triggers, controllers and mikes. A pro, does not want to have to deal with RFI in a setup.

[@BurninSven1]

So use short cables and you are good to go = no need for expensive balanced gesr

[@amazoidal]

Balanced cables are very expensive and you won't hear any difference.That's because a chain is only as good as it's weakest link, and there are tons more weaknesses in the system. Everything from the lousy cables used in music studios (unbalanced), the crappy, dirty AC in your power, and unbalanced instrument cables. As Clint Eastwood said; You need to know your limitations"(paraphrased).

[@TechnoDad]

Very true!

[@usandara8560]

❤

[@tompatterson6626]

You and Jon Cryer are identical twins.

[@TechnoDad]

LOL!!!

[@jc34588]

Thank you for DIY sharing. Need to learn. 121th like n subscribed b4

[@jamesf1505]

Ok, what about Hdmi

[@TechnoDad]

Hi James, that's digital so it either works or it doesn't

[@manoroid1]

Niceee

[@ptroy72blue]

Not much

[@VictorKibalchich]

balanced is completely unneccesary unless you have long cable runs

[@TechnoDad]

Very true!

[@VictorKibalchich]

@Google user ermmm, no

[@VictorKibalchich]

@Google user no

[@aaronalejo3681]

When the background music is louder than the guy speaking...

[@Princeton_James]

I never even noticed it until this ignorant comment. It's not even bad.