I have a Burmester 838 phono preamp and an 868 preamp/DA convertor and two 878 amps, all of which have XLR connections. Burmester used a system to identify his components : 838 [ August of 1983 ] 868 [August of 1986 ] 878 [August of 1987]. Year followed by month. So, I guess my earliest guess would be 1983 that Dieter started using XLR connections. Incidentally, his were 4 pin XLRs --- the 4th pin being used to "trigger" the on/off function if desired. His adoption of "balanced technology" is credited to 1983. I think I've got this right.
Can anyone tell me when XLR connections were first used on stereo equipment. (what years)?
I know RCA connections can produce incredible sounding music, too, but in my experience, I've always found XLR connections sound more detailed to my ears. I'm interested in a vintage integrated amp. Perhaps that's an oxymoron. Anyway, please let me know units/brands that you know about.