What would a balanced output do for the 3 feet of cable that will most likely be connected to it? I mean sure, put it in if you can’t help it, but even though it’s a portable player, no one is gonna take that to the next motor fab where it would benefit from a balanced output, and at home an audiophile most likely already has a better player around.
And yes you’re right - the whole idea is nonsense to begin with. CDs have always been fully digital, so better listening options exist.
A balanced output will have less crosstalk between the channels. I’ve never used balanced headphones, so I don’t know if it’s noticeable. My guess is the only really noticeable thing is that the higher output voltage swing from the differential amplifiers will make high impedance headphones louder.
What would a balanced output do for the 3 feet of cable that will most likely be connected to it? I mean sure, put it in if you can’t help it, but even though it’s a portable player, no one is gonna take that to the next motor fab where it would benefit from a balanced output, and at home an audiophile most likely already has a better player around.
And yes you’re right - the whole idea is nonsense to begin with. CDs have always been fully digital, so better listening options exist.
A balanced output will have less crosstalk between the channels. I’ve never used balanced headphones, so I don’t know if it’s noticeable. My guess is the only really noticeable thing is that the higher output voltage swing from the differential amplifiers will make high impedance headphones louder.