My SCD-1 is used with RCA's. It is noise free running straight to a standard wall outlet. I could not detect any change using balanced connectors, which I A/B tested on a Classe DR5 pre-amp. Regarding tube products, the SCD-1 is connected to a Hovland HP-100 preamp. The amplifier is a Mac MC2000 (both tube products that have a grain free sound with great resolution & dynamics). The speakers I've used on this combo are watt/puppy 6.0's and ML Prodigy's. Both sound terrific and have their own separate strengths. I just recently changed to a Pro Silway MKII between the SCD-1 & the Hovland. This is a great combo beating Cardas Neutral References and numerous other Audioquest & Alpha Core cables. I tried a Pro Silway between the Hovland & Mac with zero sucess. The sound was extremely flat. I am waiting on a Alpha Core TQ to test in place of the Pro Silway on the SCD-1 and to test between the amp & preamp. I have found silver interconnects, or combo silver/copper IC's to work best. The Pro Silways are quite remarkable between the SCD-1 & preamp. Great dynamics & resolution with no grain. Of course, poor recordings cannot be overcome by any component or cable.
