🔷 SMSL SU-9

[WaveTheory]

Hi! Welcome to HFGF!

I had the SU-9’s predecessor (SU-8) for a good while. Similar to what you describe, the spatial presentation was more coherent and natural from the balanced output than the single-ended. You’re probably better off using the XLR out on the SU-9. The RNHP isn’t a balanced amp and includes the connections for the convenience of professionals who likely are using balanced gear. So it doesn’t matter to it which connections you use for it unless noise is an issue. I explain all the reasoning behind these claims here:

Is Balanced Better? Pros & Cons of Balanced vs. Single-Ended

To Balance or Not to Balance? That is the question. Whether ‘tis nobler to buy a balanced amp or DAC or an unbalanced (or single-ended, aka SE, the two terms are interchangeable) amp or DAC is the focus of this post. There have been lots of questions around this forum about whether a balanced amp or DAC is better than a SE amp or DAC. Should you explore balanced? Is balanced better? It’s understandably confusing. After all, in the English language, ‘balance’ is often used in the context of desc…