Re: need help choosing between line level cables

"jakdedert"  wrote ...
> I dimly comprehend what he's talking about.  Since there is no actual 
> earth ground at the unbalanced input--and no connection to the output 
> equipment ground--the ground connection plus the signal hot would seem
to 
> form a differential input.  Possibly there is some issue with his/my 
> logic, but it would seem to be feasible.

In these days of home entertainment systems which include
video equipment, the chances of a completely ungrounded
system is also slim to none.  Whether video comes from a
cable system or from a DBS satellite dish/receiver, they are
very likely grounded, and a very common cause of ground-
caused problems, notoriously hum. RF transformers which
break this ground connection are becoming common in the
home-theatre industry.

> Still, IMM, it would be safer to simply isolate and balance the line 
> conventionally...either with transformers or active circuits on both
ends. 
> Also, the OP is unlikely to have a true balanced output on the gear
which 
> feeds the cable, so at least some balancing circuitry is indicated.

Indeed. In ideal conditions you could get away without it.
That appears to be Graham's position. Unfortunately he
seems to live in a very enchanted place compared to the
real world out here.