I recently got a Bryston BP-25 to potentially replace the NAD C372 I have been using as a preamp.
Long story short. With my mixed bag of RCA connections, the NAD sounds more lively at low volume, but much harsher at high volume. The BP25 has a larger soundstage.
With the Balanced connections, computer/usb/PS Audio DLIII combo the whole setup is transformed (yes, it costs much more). Wide, open soundstage, not harsh at high volume, detailed bass seems to come from everywhere not just thrust at you. I don't really know what else to say. I think I'm there for my budget.
Mostly.... I do plan to get a dedicated fanless pc instead of moving the laptop back and forth.
It is amaxing the hoops that we sometimes jump through to gain the benefits of fully balanced circuits. Consider that the cheapest of pro parts are always balanced!
Not sure why all products above a certain point aren't balanced. Example with integrated amps: the Mac 6900, Krell kav 400, Classe CAP 151, and NAD M3 all have balanced input. The Mac 6500 and MF A5 don't. Why not?
Every Classe componant has always been transformer based balanced capable. If the balance is achieved through shared power supplies or refrences to neutral, then it is a 'semi' or partial connection. Actual balnced connections are not hard to achieve, as Behringer can attest to, but more expensive brands that offer these interfaces consider them to capable of demanding a premium, for whatever reason. I think it is pretty simple to offer a secondary power supply and reference to support a balanced circuitry, but then again, I support a permanent pinout selection so as to protect these circuits. If you do not own a meter, the center hot can bite you in the Levi's...
Opened up the pre today to look at the wonky display. Reseat and clean edge connector(use a pencil eraser for this task), spray and reseat connections. Loosen and reseat any ic's that are on a service mount. Voila, no meter needed, all is normal again.
Opened the ca300 amp while I had the stuff out, a little air(with a ground strap) and reseat everything. Scuff up the fuses and holders with scotch brite and put it back into service.