Balanced usage with Opus 21

Distortion...I don't believe that to be true. I'm sure the Opus 21 uses all 4 DACs (2 per channel) regardless of which outputs you use.

Brrgrr...I would guess that it's a function of the Opus 21 being fully balanced in its design.

Phil, you're right. I studied my papers closely and it appears, that unlike many similar balanced devices, the Opus sums both DACs for the unbalanced output. My apologies and good call.

I guess what I'm in the dark about is WHY balanced is better than single-ended. What is the theory behind it? I notice that in England, balanced is much less prevalent, and am puzzled why that is so if it is technically a better system. Aside from what our ears tell us, is there a physical reason for it to be so?

Thanks for whatever info you guys can provide
Carl

I am an Opus 21 owner. I run RCA Tara Labs vector 1 RCA cables from CDP to my Edge G1 Preamp which is RCA ONLY. I don't run the CDP directly to my Edge G4 amp b/c I also enjoy analogue and don't like switching cables all of the time.

Can someone please explain what you mean by the DIN connection? Is there another way (that is better than RCA to RCA)to get the best sound from my Opus 21?

Also, I have been using a Shunyata Taipan alpha VX powercord for the Opus 21. I believe there may be a better choice such as the VH audio Airsine. I feel like the sparkle and air from the top end could improve when I compare the sound to my analogue setup. Does anyone have suggestions for a better powercord for the Opus 21?

J_evege,

The DIN connector on the back of the Opus 21 is not attached to the variable volume control inside of the Opus 21. I've read several accounts that suggest the DIN output sounds a bit better than the variable RCA output.

Since you use a pre-amp, you could use the DIN output from the Opus 21. You need to acquire a cable that is DIN on one end and dual RCA on the other end. I think Resolution Audio recommends the DNM cable, but they have a relationanship with DNM, so you need to take that into consideration. I know other cable vendors will build a DIN to RCA cable for you.

Some other component manufacturers use the DIN connector, so there are other cables on the market intended for a mixed DIN/RCA setup. Just be sure they are wired correctly for the RA Opus 21.

Enjoy,

TIC