Great single ended CD/SACD

Maybe it's because the balanced outputs are higher voltage, the Pioneer DVAX10 I had was 6v balanced. Higher output means better definition although everyone here will have an arguement against that, 6v I thought was too much and sounded harsh.

Players that are digitally balanced use separate sets of D/A converters for the inverting and non-inverting legs of the balanced output. The single ended output is usually derived from only the non-inverting leg of the balanced output.

Thus the single ended output only uses half the D/A converters. This results in a bit higher distortion on the single ended outputs.

A few players derive the single ended outputs by combining both legs of the balanced output, and should sound similar either single ended or balanced. I know older Wadia gear did this, but I'm not sure about others.

Players that are not digitally balanced generate the balanced output from the single ended output (usually via a phase splitter) and may actually sound better single ended.

Players that are not digitally balanced generate the balanced output from the single ended output (usually via a phase splitter) and may actually sound better single ended.

+1

Anyone have any favorite single-ended players?

On the cheaper side of the spectrum the CD/SACD players I've found very pleasant sounding that I've owned that only have single-ended outputs are:

Pioneer Elite PD D9J

Sony SCD-CE595

Oppo BDP-83SE

**dealer disclaimer**

I'm using an Arcam dv139 and really like it. To my ear it sounds basically like the cd37.