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C2300: run it single-ended or balanced?

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dawgcatching

New Member
I have a C2300 on order that was purchased from a 2nd hand party. Very excited to get it into my system and try it out! I was looking for advice on interconnects, and whether to run balanced or not. I am pairing it with a set of Rogue M150 monoblocks, which have a balanced input, but according to Rogue, the amps sound the same via balanced or single-ended. My source is a digital Modwright Sony, also single ended. Should I run balanced through the C2300, or would it make a difference? Cables are currently Cardas Golden Reference. I would probably have to borrow a balanced IC for the amp-preamp connection.

I will let you know how it sounds.
 
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Found I preferred the sound with the balanced in/out with my C2200 & MC75 monoblocs. Regardless of what you are told, trust your ears.
 
Always try balance from preamp to amp if available. My tube CDP has both RCA and XLR output, but I ended up use RCA from CDP to my 2300, but still use XLR from 2300 to my 501. Much lower noise level and better dynamics this way.
 
I went from single ended to balanced and I find balanced to be slightly better. I am only using some low budget balanced cables between my power amps and my preamps; then again from my MVP 881BR to my MX135 preamp. With the balanced, more definition, wider soundstage, clear sound. If you go balanced, do not go for the big expensive stuff right away. There are some surprised to be found with budgetary balanced cables.
 
Since equipment varies so much, your best bet is to try both and see which one you like the best.
 
W9TR said:
Since equipment varies so much, your best bet is to try both and see which one you like the best.
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Absolutely agree. One amp I tried was more transparent with single ended while another was more transparent with balanced. The difference was not subtle.
 
I run all balanced cables except from my tuners.

People say the best way is the way it sounds to them, balanced or unbalanced. Let your ears decide.
 
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