Converting RCA to XLR

Not entirely sure what the following really means.

From the BDP95 manual:

" NOTE The STEREO AUDIO OUT terminals automatically down-mix the multi-channel audio source into the stereo signals. However, STEREO AUDIO OUT will NOT be affected by the “Down mix” modes and other speaker settings in the Audio Processing of Setup Menu (described in the page 70)."

Curious, why are you asking about XLR/RCA converters (adapters)?

@fiesta,

" You need an end-to-end, full XLR setup in order to realize the improvement. Adapters are for use as a necessity to match a component with only RCA's."

The A51 balanced inputs are not differential, but the Oppo's balanced outputs are. So what are the improvements going to be considering the signal will be processed as single ended by the A51 anyway?  

@auxinput,

Same thing I mentioned to fiesta about the A51 balanced input.
In this case using a XLR to RCA adapter probably isn’t going to make any difference.

I like your idea about using 2 amps, but I think there’s still an issue there.

How is the processing done in the Oppo? Is the XLR Stereo Out (left and right only ) somehow recognized and processed the same as part of the 5.1CH OUT for the other 3 channels? Or is it assumed all 5 channels + bass are coming from the 5.1CH connections. If that’s the case, wouldn’t he need another set of cables to plug/unplug (FL/FR to A21 instead of Stereo Out L+R)?

His question seems simple enough, but I think it’s more complicated.

Knowing why he wants adapters might make it easier to help answer his questions. I think his initial thought of using 7 cables, and the switch is probably the best (2 XLR, 5 RCA). However, I would confirm with Parasound first. Will the Oppo send all 7 channels to the A51 with this setup. If it does, how will that affect the A51 receiving 2 live signals for both left and right channels (hopefully, the switch takes care of that).

Interesting, I'm almost tempted to try combining the 2 types of outputs on my BDP95 to see what happens (it would really be a pain to set it all up just for the sake of testing something). I've only ever used the BDP95 S/PDIF to HT processor, never for audio as that's all done on different hardware. The plastic caps on the 7.1CH connections have never been removed.

Perfect, seems exactly what you want (with 2 less cables no less).

I assume you'll still test the balance or unbalanced switch in this setup.

I would also make sure volume levels are matched with all 5 speakers when using 5.1CH. The XLR output is rated at 4.2 Vrms and RCA output rating is 2.1 Vrms. I doubt it will matter with A51.