Unbalanced or balnced input for A/D convrtr

[migraneboy]

searched the forums, didn't find an answer

So..

this is about RME A/D expansion boards for the digi 96/8PST soundcard..

I have a choice of getting either one 8ch A/D card with unbalanced inputs
for $177

or

two 4ch A/D cards with servo balanced inputs for $250

both cards have exactly the same specs, the 8ch card uses 4 stereo jacks, the 4ch version uses 4 mono jacks.

I guess what Im really trying to find out is: Does it really matter soundwise if the inputs are balanced or unbalanced? Some converters report higher dynamic range in balanced input mode..

 

[Jim Y]

What are you going to be plugging into them?

If it's a lot of seperate gear, you run more risk of getting ground loop noise with the unbalanced version.

If it's the Direct outs of a mixer, not many of those actually have true balanced outputs anyway and because its all from the same equipment, the hum loop risk is low, so you'll probably be happy with the 8 ch unbalanced card.