It's an excellent sounding unit with great build quality. I've had one for 5 years now. Yes, uses balanced or unbalanced outs... or you can use a USB out to another DAC (but no need) sounds great.
Older yes, outdated well I'm thrilled with mine with one notable, huge glaring exception that Sony SHOULD FIX WITH A SOFTWARE UPDATE.
1. ADD SUPPORT FOR QOBUZ SONY!!!! (it only supports spotify).
2. Roon integration would be a huge, well received and awesome benefit.
But... given my choice, add Qobuz.
They recently put out a software update and I was hoping and praying for one or both... nothing.
But, it's well built, sounds great, and while the software isn't perfect, it's really good.
Older yes, outdated well I'm thrilled with mine with one notable, huge glaring exception that Sony SHOULD FIX WITH A SOFTWARE UPDATE.
1. ADD SUPPORT FOR QOBUZ SONY!!!! (it only supports spotify).
2. Roon integration would be a huge, well received and awesome benefit.
But... given my choice, add Qobuz.
They recently put out a software update and I was hoping and praying for one or both... nothing.
But, it's well built, sounds great, and while the software isn't perfect, it's really good.