2. amps-preamps
  3. 137063-115924

Another basic newbie question.

I'm not an audiophile but recently more-or-less inherited an older high end system. There is a thread here about that story. 

This is a simple question regarding the Audio Research LS16 preamp. I have the user manual but it is short and assumes that the user is a seasoned audiophile. I think I've got the basics figured out. I understand the RCA inputs and outputs. I have high quality XLR cables for output to the amp. But there are two inputs I do not understand. They are labeled CD Bal and Aux Bal. I understand that 'bal' is for 'balance' but otherwise I do not know what these are for or what that means. Are there CD players with XLR-out ports?

Thanks for your assistance.
n80
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
I'm not sure I have the ears for it. I like it. I appreciate it. I can hear differences in cheap vs better systems. But I'm not sure I'll ever get to the level of sensitivity _and_ recognition I hear described among audiophiles. Not sure I'll ever fully appreciate the system I have.

But I will enjoy it.
ron1319
57 posts
 
I wouldn't worry about being more analytical.  Not necessarily a good skill to have.
djohnson54
396 posts
 
I think you'll be surprised at what your ears pick up after you've been listening to the system for a while.  There are all kinds of subtleties to good sound and your ears will begin to sort them out.  I remember in the early days thinking "Oh, that must be what they're talking about."  Of course the downside of all of this is that you'll be able to identify crappy sound in a heartbeat (and possibly won't be able to listen to it anymore!). :-)
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
As long as the emotional impact of the music exceeds your attention to the equipment that provides it, you'll be ok.
instlouis's avatar
instlouis
91 posts
 
Kudos @stevecham  ...Brilliant statement ! 
More to discover