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CDP with XLR outs?

I have now my CDP connected directly to my amp via RCA jacks and I control the volume via the CDP remote.
I thought I should upgrade my front end... and considering that my amp (Sonic Frontiers) can accept XLR balanced input - I was wondering if I should make that extra effort and seek out players that offer XLR out.
I have no experience playing with cabling so as of now I really never had the opportunity to evaluate the sonic implications of different types of interconnects.

My budget for a used CDP is up to $800 - which means that if I really want XLR out - there is maybe one or two units (Like Creek 53) - but if I hear your comments and understand that it maybe better for me to just stick with unbalanced RCA - then I can look at other units.

thanks!
ether
9 responses Add your response
benie
147 posts
 
I like the idea of using Balanced connections if they are the and true balanced. My system was all true balanced conntions, until I switch speakers.
I'm not complaining though, I now run have some mint Acoustat X with the Servo Tube Amps. Speakers and amps were stored properly for about 20 years.The amps have had some upgrades but are RCA input.

Bob there is a fair bit of room in the amps. Does Jensen have input transformers as well to convert the amps input to balanced?
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ether OP
63 posts
 
Thanks all for your replies.
Bob - your question ("If your electronics support...") - is basically what I am trying to determine.
Are there any reasons why I shouldn't pay too much attention to that and just stick with any other CDP available out there. But then you did answer that...if indeed DAC1 is so great and it uses XLR out - it thus becomes the best choice.
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ether OP
63 posts
 
I am currently in the process of upgrading / spliting my AV setup into Audio only and Home Theather...my current unit (for both DVDs and CDs) is Oppo...which will stay as a DVD only.
Considering my budget I was thinking of Creek 53 (max budget) and it has XLR. Of course, based on the info from this thread I may forget about the XLR outs and consider other less expensive players such as Music Hall 25.2, Camb. Audio units...actually if I forget about the XLR - there are quite a few choices under $800 used.
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jb0194
476 posts
 
Is your amp truly differentially balanced from input to output, or does it simply have XLR inputs?
lak's avatar
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lak
4,626 posts
 
It's most likely important to know what your current CDP is first before proper speculation can be made.
XLR interconnects do not necessarily mean the music will sound better and gear with XLR outlets are not necessarily truly balanced (although I’m sure your amp is).
XLR will sound louder with you volume set at the same level as with RCA’s, but not necessarily sound better, although in some cases XLR will sound better (and cost more).
Many times XLR interconnects are used in longer runs to prevent interference.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
I think the notion of improving upon the players performance would be the reasoning I would want to move up or otherwise... not due to the interface alone.

Are any other CDPs on your short list better performancewise, or do they merely offer the XLR connection?

That's how I would proceed. Otherwise the sole gain you might acquire with this intended swap out is just that... a swap out. The XLR benefit alone wouldn't substantiate me making that move.

Wherein XLR might be a tad quieter, will it as well be a certain improovement sonically too?

plus there's the added cost for new cables too...
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