Resolution Audio Opus 21 questions

Ardri,

Please read my post again.

Here is what I wrote: (The DIN output bypasses the volume control, and is the absolute best way to get the best sound from this unit, as per Jeff Kalt, the owner of Resolution Audio.)

Where in that sentence to you see anything about using a preamp?

I am very happy with mine in all respects actually.
I will state that I have the unit running into my Ayre K-1xe preamp via the DIN output on the Opus 21. (The DIN output bypasses the volume control, and is the absolute best way to get the best sound from this unit, as per Jeff Kalt, the wner of Resolution Audio.)

Also, I feel that the Opus 21 is somewhat analog sounding, (which is how I like my sound to be actually), and lacks the ultimate digital dynamics that some units have, such as the Ayre C-5XE, which has great dynamics, but sounds very digital sounding to me. (It might be that you prefer the dynamics of that type of CDP, over the analog sounding ones, like the Opus 21.)

Good Luck in your search for your CDP.

Okay guys, I see your confusion, (and probably my own!).

Here is what Ardri wrote: "Where did Jeff Kalt say it was better thru a Pre Amp?"

He didn't, at least not per se.

What he told me was, exactly what I wrote earlier which was: "The DIN output bypasses the volume control, and is the absolute best way to get the best sound from this unit, ...) And hey, if you don't believe me, call or email Jeff. (He is one of the better owners I have run into. He ranks right up there with Charles Hansen, of Ayre fame, IMHO!)

Now, it is true that by using the DIN output, (hence by-passing the built-in volume control), that you'll need to use some sort of device, (typically, a preamp) to control the volume. So bacially, what Jeff is saying is that while he uses a very good analog volume control in the Opus 21, it is not as good as what a really good preamp has, (which makes perfect sense to me).

Hopefully, that clears up the confusion. I have tried running the Opus 21 directly into my amps, and it seemed slightly better running through the preamp, at least to my ears. (But then again, I was not using the same cable, so it could have been that aspect of the setup that I was hearing.)

Hey Ardri

I use an Audience AU24 cable, with a DIN to an XLR, and I had mine made special by Audience for about $500.
(This was back when the AU24 was just starting to get good press, because now the price is closer to $1,000. Ouch!)

(I prefer the XLR terminations as they lock in easier than RCA cables, and unlock just as easy! Those locking RCA terminations can be a pain to get unlocked, IMHO.)
Plus, my Ayre K-1xe preamp has three balanced and three unbalanced inputs, and I knew I would already be using all three of the unbalanced inputs, (tuner, SACD player and CD recorder), whereas I was only using the one set of balanced inputs for my phono input.

I like the AU24 cable as it is pretty neutral, and does not accentuate the digital sound, however, I am sure that there are other equally as good cables out there.
(i.e. It is not as ruthlessly revealing as say the Nordost Valhalla cables. I am a big fan of the Valhallas, but just not in that particular cdp to preamp link. In fact, I would love to find an inexpensive 4+ meter pair of XLRs to use between my preamp and my monoblock amps.)