AKG K550; balanced use not an option

[Gray]

In answer to your last question on the locked 'AKG K553/550' thread Steve:

The K550 is not designed* to be used in balanced mode.

In order for headphones to be balanced, they must be connected to the amp using 4 separate poles.
Headphones with double-sided cables (with 2 cores coming from each earcup) make this an easy option (with the appropriate amp-end connector(s).
Your 550s have a 3-core cable going into a single-sided 3-pole mini XLR connector making it unsuitable for balanced use.....However:

*They can be modified though.
All 4 poles are available within the earcup with the connector (2 obviously come across the headband from the other earcup). 4-pole mini XLR plugs / sockets are readily available:

https://cpc.farnell.com/search?st=4%20pole%20mini%20xlr

With a 'simple' modification, swapping your 3 for 4-pole connectors......you're ready for balanced - using 4-core cable link to a balanced amp.
Though for the potential 'benefit' of balanced, you might not want to bother .

 

[SteveR750]

In answer to your last question on the locked 'AKG K553/550' thread Steve:

The K550 is not designed* to be used in balanced mode.

In order for headphones to be balanced, they must be connected to the amp using 4 separate poles.
Headphones with double-sided cables (with 2 cores coming from each earcup) make this an easy option (with the appropriate amp-end connector(s).
Your 550s have a 3-core cable going into a single-sided 3-pole mini XLR connector making it unsuitable for balanced use.....However:

*They can be modified though.
All 4 poles are available within the earcup with the connector (2 obviously come across the headband from the other earcup). 4-pole mini XLR plugs / sockets are readily available:

https://cpc.farnell.com/search?st=4%20pole%20mini%20xlr

With a 'simple' modification, swapping your 3 for 4-pole connectors......you're ready for balanced - using 4-core cable link to a balanced amp.
Though for the potential 'benefit' of balanced, you might not want to bother .

Aha, I wondered where the thread had gone. Thanks for the resurrection and reply, I've no idea how beneficial a balanced connection would be (never tried it with other components such as dacmagic ec). Sounds like too much hassle, and not enoug benefit. The SQ of the std 550 is pretty good as it is.