[brucek]

Maybe we are discussing two different uses of balanced connections?

Nope, we're all discussing the same thing jethro, and your explaination is the accepted and correct interpretation.

There are a few that disagree though. That's OK, everyone is allowed their own opinion.

The pseudo-balanced connection technique described in the article is a poor way to connect an unbalanced signal to a balanced input. The small CMR advantage of unbalanced to balanced connections through the simple cable wiring technique compared to a proper unbalanced to unbalanced RCA connection is theoretical and quickly lost in practice. Disregarding the fact that there is an additional differential amplifier added to the circuit with its associated added noise, the reason is that the level out of the differential amplifier is at a 6dB (half the voltage) disadvantage to a proper symmetrical signal. The answer to obtaining the same level is to increase the gain from the source with commensurate raised noise floor. It's a losing battle.

If you have balanced outputs and balanced inputs, then they are certainly the best way to go. If you have only unbalanced outputs and a choice of unbalanced or balanced to connect them to, choose the unbalanced.

brucek

[Rivendell61]

Jethro,
Practically speaking I would note that balanced interconnection is of utility in situations without long distances involved--the emphasis now is often that external noise (RFI, etc) is much less of a problem (for most) than simple ground potential differences between adjacent components (ground loops, etc), which creates noise in an unbalanced connection.  Bruce Hofer (Audio Precision), Whitlock, Benchmark Media, etc, all have published recently on this point and interconnection in general (and all suggest the 'pseudo-balanced' solution I mentioned above--or varients therof).

Regarding 'how balanced works' and the disagreement regarding signal symmetry being involved in noise rejection-- 
There are not "a few who disagree", nor is it a matter of opinion.
However, debating on forums does not usually have a happy result--and Caleb seems to have resolved his question.

I will quote from IEC standard on amplifiers (IEC 602689-3:2001):
"The purpose of a balanced interface is to transfer a desired signal as a differential voltage on two signal lines"
So far so good, then:
"Only the common-mode impedance balance of the driver, line, and receiver play a role in noise or interference rejection.  This noise or interference rejection property is independent of the presence of a desired differential signal.  Therefore, it can make no difference whether the desired differential signal exists entirely on one line, as a greater voltage on one line than the other, or as equal voltages on both of them.  Symmetry of the desired signal has advantages, but they concern headroom and crosstalk, not noise or interference rejection"

Hope that helps!

Mark