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Balanced usage with Opus 21

Hello All,
I've had my Opus 21 now for a couple months and love it to death. I'm NOT using the balanced outs as my MFa308cr only has RCA's. Could an Opus 21 user advise me as to what difference I'll hear if I get an amp with balanced inputs (yes, I know there is going to be a difference regardless because it will be a different amp) versus using RCA's?

Mucho thanks,
Tgyeti .... just Tgyeti
tgyeti

Showing 2 responses by reubent

reubent
7,072 posts
 
Tgyeti,

Are you currently using the RCA/variable output, or the fixed DIN output? According to RA, the fixed DIN output is better and you could keep your same amplifiers. Just purchase an unbalanced interconnect cable that is DIN on one end and RCA on the other end. I think RA recommends the cable from DNM, but others will work too.

I own the Opus 21, but I have not tried either the DIN or balanced outputs as I use mine connected directly to my power amps using the variable volume control.

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
7,072 posts
 
J_evege,

The DIN connector on the back of the Opus 21 is not attached to the variable volume control inside of the Opus 21. I've read several accounts that suggest the DIN output sounds a bit better than the variable RCA output.

Since you use a pre-amp, you could use the DIN output from the Opus 21. You need to acquire a cable that is DIN on one end and dual RCA on the other end. I think Resolution Audio recommends the DNM cable, but they have a relationanship with DNM, so you need to take that into consideration. I know other cable vendors will build a DIN to RCA cable for you.

Some other component manufacturers use the DIN connector, so there are other cables on the market intended for a mixed DIN/RCA setup. Just be sure they are wired correctly for the RA Opus 21.

Enjoy,

TIC
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