Quote:
Originally posted by soundhound:
Quote:
Originally posted by cnewlander:
[b]You CANNOT have a balanced "signal" on RCA's. To say or even suggest a balanced signal may be going down an RCA is obsurd and laughable at best. IT SIMPLY CANNOT.
Actually, I have used RCAs for balanced circuits - the only thing is that they have to be isolated electrically from the component's chassis. A balanced line comprises two conductors: a ground reference is not necessary. Therefore a two conductor jack (if you count the shell, which is normally grounded in an unbalanced circuit) such as an RCA or BNC can be used, again, as long as it's shell is not in contact with a grounded chassis. [/b]
Using that logic I guess you can use two coat hangers for a balanced "cable" as well.

The ground refence IS there by way of common ground from the power source. Put the two components on 100% ISOLATED power sources and yer "balance" RCA cable jerry-rig setup no longer works.

The ground reference is absolutely required; that is if you plan on ignoring signal differences (read: magnetic induction interference).