What are 'balanced' outputs?

[michaelab]

Seen a lot recently about high end gear that has 'balanced' 3 pin XLR outputs as opposed to 'unbalanced' RCA outputs which most equipment has.

What does balanced mean here and why is it better?

Michael.

 

[Nic Rhodes]

I though about writing a long explanation but the Tag site has already done it.

Go to the Tag site, look in the News library for an article called Balanced line technology by Douglas Self.

Excellent stuff, but this is what you get from Tag.

 

[CJROSS]

http://www.tagmclaren.com/members/introf.asp?page=news/news28

Excellent article Beekeeper !! Ive copied for posterity in the DAC FAQ.

BTW You need to register to become a member !! Well worth it IMHO.