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Pseudo-Differential Cable

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Pseudo-Differential Cable 

The vast majority of my amplifiers have differential inputs. I use this for three reasons:
  1. Differential signalling sounds better.
  2. Differential signalling provides better measured performance.
  3. Differential signalling moves the ground reference (and ground loops) out of the signal path, resulting in improved signal integrity.

In residential audio, single-ended signalling is dominant, likely due to the lower cost. This prompts a few questions from builders wanting to use my amplifiers with single-ended sources. The best solution is to use a differential line driver, such as my Universal Buffer. Should a separate circuit not be desired, a pseudo-differential connection can be made using the interconnect cable illustrated below. These cables are easily made by replacing the female end of an XLR cable with an RCA connector. These cables are also available commercially.

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