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:
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 🙄.
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:
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 🙄.