Using RCA & XLR connections at same time on Amp


I have been looking for a quality CD player to add to my system. Currently, I have a Pass 3x amp and a Naim av2 processor driving Joseph 22's.

The problem is that I use an Arcam Diva as both my dvd & cd player. So, I was thinking, what if I got a Mark Levinson 39. As it has the processor built in, I could leave the 5-DIN to RCA connections to AV2 for the Arcam DVD player and utilize the XLR connections from the ML to XLR connections on the Pass Amp. This way, I bypass the Naim unit entirely and use the theoretically better ML for two channel.

Is there a reason why this does not work. I was told by a Pass/Wadia dealer it would not work, why?

Also, I know Wadia and Mark Levinson have direct volume control and XLR connections, what other CD players have this processor functionality and have XLR connections?

Please advise.
yetis

Showing 2 responses by unclejeff

Mcaintosh has the switch---and the folks at McIntosh are very emphatic:

"Don't do it!!!!"
Warning: Some amps, especially those that are not truly balanced share some parts at the balanced/unbalanced ports. So, while you are using balanced, you might be sending a signal back up the line to the unbalanced components. The switch, in this case, is not designed as a 'cut-off', but more like a router.

If you happen to have both systems on at the same time, you might be in for some serious, big time trouble.

I understand McIntosh would be one case where you must avoid this.

BE CAREFUL!!!!!