Balanced output to unbalanced headphones

1. Can you make unbalanced headphones balanced?
2. Can I use unbalanced cables on balanced outputs?
3. Can I connect balanced to unbalanced?
4. Can you hear the difference between balanced and unbalanced headphones?

Can you make unbalanced headphones balanced?

Balanced headphones and unbalanced headphones are the same things, differing only in the connector at the end of the cable. To convert unbalanced headphones into balanced, simply re-cable with a different connector plug.

Can I use unbalanced cables on balanced outputs?

You can — with some caveats. If you use unbalanced cable that doesn't carry the inverted signal, the initial signal is still carried across the cable, so it will work. ... It may just be noisier and the level may be lower than if you used a true balanced connection.

Can I connect balanced to unbalanced?

When connecting an active-balanced output to an unbalanced load, it is necessary to leave the cold output (pin-3) floating. Using an XLR connector, pin-3 should not be connected to anything. If a cable is used with pin-3 tied to pin-1 (shield), the output amplifier could be damaged.

Can you hear the difference between balanced and unbalanced headphones?

A lot of people wonder whether or not it's possible to hear the difference between a balanced and unbalanced audio signal, and whether or not balanced output hardware really makes a difference. Truth be told, it does.