What are balanced audio outputs (vs. unbalanced)? (1 Viewer)

[Len Cheong]

What does "balanced" mean and are they found only in high end equipment? I was reading a review of the Proceed AVP and one of the complaints was that there are only 3 balanced outputs for the L,C,R but none for the rears or the sub. Is this that important? Thanks.

 

[Allan Jayne]

Balanced inputs and outputs for an amp have neither conductor grounded. For low level signals such as for inputs, there is much less noise picked up assuming proper cables and equipment/circuit design. Coax cables for balanced audio circuits either have two center conductors plus the outer braided shield (ground), or a single center conductor with two concentric braids of different diameters.
I don't think you can hear the difference between balanced and unbalanced speaker outpus but you must not treat the black speaker terminal as grounded or common unless the instructions specifically allows it.
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