Accuphase cdp direct guys:

The Pass X-250 accepts RCA inputs and I do not feel that I loose anything that significant without the balanced ICs.

I appreciate the feedback, I've been going through a lot of equipment changes lately. I just started running the Pass w/balanced between pre and amp and there was an improvement: seems like the instruments are more clearly etched (I've been thinking of losing the pre, or even both Pass to run single-ended). Sometimes I get the distinct impression this hobby is driving me cuckoo.

You should check into Edge. Their amps mate well with Accuphase and are only single ended -- they claim performance suffers in balanced mode.