Differential isn't the same thing as balanced.

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Its possible for any single-ended circuit to process a signal differentially- so if you have a balanced source, both phases can be processed by the amplifier. IOW pin 3 does not have to be hanging in space and you don't have to ground it either.

Instead it can drive the cathode or emitter of the input. While this is clearly not balanced, it is differential as amplification only occurs when there is a difference between the two inputs (grid/cathode base/emitter gate/source, etc.).

I've been doing this for years and it works fine.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Shorter interconnects and cabling shanahanigans - airtime 06:13:12 01/26/16 (13)

RE: Shorter interconnects and cabling... - cdb 10:30:36 01/26/16 (0)

Ever hear of balanced line? That gets you away from the audibility - Ralph 09:31:44 01/26/16 (2)

Balanced only is beneficial when both connected units are true dual-differential - John Marks 10:44:05 01/26/16 (1)

Differential isn't the same thing as balanced. - Ralph 11:40:29 01/26/16 (0)

For professional installations, I have custom-ordered 9-inch interconnects - John Marks 06:23:18 01/26/16 (8)

RE: I made up 9" ICs to go between Step=up Transformer & Phono Pre - Jeff Starr 19:22:04 01/28/16 (1)

Me too!... - John Elison 00:55:31 01/29/16 (0)

Or... - E-Stat 08:49:32 01/26/16 (0)

If most people knew - fin1bxn@msn.com 07:45:12 01/26/16 (4)

On the plus side? Obviously NOTHING of importance was recorded in the NYC area! - David S. 09:47:31 01/27/16 (1)

RE: On the plus side? Obviously NOTHING of importance was recorded in the NYC area! - b.l.zeebub 04:26:38 01/28/16 (0)

Think that's funny! - airtime 07:55:36 01/26/16 (1)

RE: Think that's funny! - Inmate51 10:24:39 01/26/16 (0)

Follow Ups

Differential isn't the same thing as balanced. - Ralph 11:40:29 01/26/16 (0)

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