Question Balanced Headphone Cable

[Barnaby]

Hello again fellow listeners,

I have recently bought a Topping D3X Pro + DAC/Amp and am likely to keep it, however, I did notice that the Fiio K11 R2R that was also on my list sports a "4.4mm balanced out" If I was swayed into returning the Topping and getting the Fiio, I am wondering what to do about this 4.4mm output. Is there an advantage to balanced headphone outputs? I have a pair of Sennheiser HD650s.

I saw a discussion on here re interconnects and speakers but nothing about this. One youtuber ( seemingly not sponsored ) was strongly recommending using a balanced out with them and said it was a vast improvement. I am now very curious. I guess I'd need to swap out the cable for a balanced one but to what advantage? That is my question.

 

[Gray]

I guess I'd need to swap out the cable for a balanced one but to what advantage?

Fiio spec shows that it gives more than double the power from the balanced, compared to its standard output.

But you'll likely notice a bigger (but still not massive) difference in sound between the Topping and Fiio, than you would by going between balanced and unbalanced on the Fiio (or anything else).

Best advice would be to compare the two models first if possible.
Then if you decide to go with the K11, spend no more than necessary for a balanced cable.....then experiment.

 

[Barnaby]

Yes, I currently have the Topping and I honestly don't usually like to do it, but I'm wondering about trying the Fiio and if I prefer it returning the Topping.

It's a bit naff thing to do but OTOH it is now really hard to find items to try on the High St and online retailers are reaping the rewards so I guess they might factor this sort of behaviour into their business model.

Apart from the ethical dilemma though I am perhaps going to try both out as you suggest and if I keep the Fiio then go down the route you suggested.
Thank you