On a somewhat similar note, I am considering this -
1 Like
Single ended input and output? heaven forbid! 
Yeah, but that’s what I’m using now, with a Pro-Ject RS2, and the cable run is short.
The $8200 Sutherland Loco has (perversely, IMO) balanced in and unbalanced out, which lessened its market appeal. I hear there’s a new model due that rectifies that.
My point being that balanced inputs/outputs/cables sounding better than single ended inputs/outputs/cables for home audio is another one of the many high end audio myths.
Before I get flamed I will add that I know that balanced and single ended are different and each one has its uses but for the short cable runs used in most home audio systems either one will provide the same sound. Apparently Ron Sutherland feels the same way.
1 Like
Subtle sarcasm. Not my strong suit. 
2 Likes
I have had a couple of phono stages here with balanced inputs, as essentially a moving coil is inherently a “balanced” device with a floating reference.
It is difficult to say what this added (of course with a fully balanced tone arm cable) over a single ended approach. On a particular machine there were benefits, but compared to other single ended phono stages the balanced devices were unable to compete. 
(At least in satisfying my expectations)
The Sutherland seems soundly constructed and a nice effort. I’ll look for some reviews!
3 Likes
this has not been my experience.
that said my amp does not have balanced inputs, and the TT does not have balanced outputs, so it’s currently a moot point in my system.
1 Like
Just came today. I’m leaving it wrapped while the fish bid it up on Discogs. Someone just paid $160.
3 Likes
So you were being facetious. I wasn’t sure what that emoji meant.
Balanced input could be useful for noise rejection at that very low (especially MC) level. I think many tonearms could accommodate it. Balanced out, not so much, unless you’re planning a long run between your phono and main preamps, which wouldn’t be common.
One thing the “balanced sounds better” worshipers don’t talk about is it requires either more complicated (non-minimalist) circuitry, or transformers. True balanced circuitry should emulate transformers (don’t care if you ground one end, or which one) and is more than simply two unbalanced circuits back to back. See Walt Jung’s “IC Op-Amp Cookbook” for examples.
Some people like transformers, though. A good MC step-up transformer is inherently balanced, and appallingly expensive.
1 Like
So you buy records to flip them? I buy them to flip too, but on my turntable.
3 Likes
You bring up some very good points and the one above is really one of my pet peeves in that so often devotees of a given technology very often fail to mention that any given technology will have pluses and minuses and each technology is somewhat of a compromise. One just chooses what sounds and works best for them and should keep in mind that others may choose another approach.
1 Like
No, I buy records to listen to and that’s why I bought this record.
Still, if the fish bid it up enough (since there were only 5000 copies made) I’ll sell it and buy some box sets.
Not surprised you accused me of flipping/scalping, surprised it took so long.
In its day, ‘Blazing Saddles’ was ground breaking.
3 Likes
And wind breaking😉
3 Likes
