i'm unbalanced, I think

[solaris]

what the difference between balanced and unbalanced outputs, do you need an amp that takes balanced inputs?

 

[ThomC]

Without getting technical, (and being very general), balanced outputs have a three pronged XLR type connector.
Unbalanced have RCA (phono) connectors.
Balanced equipment outputs a signal at a higher level (+4db), while unbalanced equipment outputs it's signal at a lower level (-10db).
Balanced equipment is often called professional, while unbalanced equipment is often called semi-pro or consumer.
There are also impedance differences.
So to answer your question most simply.
Yes, you would need an amp with balanced inputs.

 

[The Quadfather]

To use a device, say, a reel to reel with balanced outputs with an unbalanced amp, you would need to construct an attenuator. Any audio technician worth his salt can do this for you. Since most reel machines have a input level control, you probably could put the unbalanced signal straight into the balanced input, grounding the unused pin. turn off or remove the 600 ohm termination resistor if one exists. (it might be 680 ohms) It might require a preamp if you cannot get enough level. There are commercial devices made specifically for this, but they tend to be expensive, and since they would be stereo, you would need two. Good Luck!

The Quadfather

Without getting technical, (and being very general), balanced outputs have a three pronged XLR type connector.
Unbalanced have RCA (phono) connectors.
Balanced equipment outputs a signal at a higher level (+4db), while unbalanced equipment outputs it's signal at a lower level (-10db).
Balanced equipment is often called professional, while unbalanced equipment is often called semi-pro or consumer.
There are also impedance differences.
So to answer your question most simply.
Yes, you would need an amp with balanced inputs.