is electro emc1 balanced?

YES. It has XLR outputs if that is what you are asking.

KF

The EMC1 has XLR outputs, but this does not necessarily mean that it is balanced. Many units with XLR outputs are not true balanced designs.

According to Electro's homepage the latest model of the EMC is balanced.

EMC 1
A Great CD Player...
Gets Even Better.
24 Bit upsampler 192KHz DAC

The EMC 1UP features a unique cancellation system which cancels acoustic / mechanical vibrations, preventing the laser pick-up from receiving unwanted and sonically degrading signals.

The EMC 1UP features our latest, fully balanced symmetrical state-of-the-art circuit design powered by a FTT (Floating Transformer Technology) power supply.

I AM PRETTY SURE THE FIRST VERSION OF THIS PLAYER WAS ALSO BALANCED.

KF

All,

FYI...The EMC-1 is a TRUE balanced design. As Judit basically states, it is always a good idea to NOT assume a component is true balanced, however, just because it has XLR inputs/outputs. Always check with the maufacturer or dealer to confirm if you ever have any doubts.

Best Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio

And it DOES SOUND BETTER running XLRs. Don't even consider getting one of these...especially with the Mk II 24bit/192kHz DAC unless you have a truly-balanced preamp too!

Sub--you oughta hear my new MKII with latest factory spec playing through a Mullardized c-j 14LS.

I auditioned the latest EMC I Mk II 'UP' model- bass was exceptional, and good soundstage- no complaints (recently sold a Capitole MK I, and I would consider the EMC slightly superior, mainly due to the bass- build quality appears better as well). HOWEVER, they both do not compare in my opinion to a properly executed transport/dac combo- separates all the way!!