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CD/SACD player output options

I had an NAD M5 CD/SACD player I purchased approx. 6 yrs ago - - lost my entire system in a house fire couple months ago (GRRRR !!!!).  While looking to replace what I lost, question is:  why is there such a dearth of CD/SACD player/transports (other than McIntosh MCT-450) with an XLR/balanced digital output option?  Has the technology advanced to a better option (for stereo listening) option than having a balanced in/out system (which I had before the fire) from start to finish??  
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folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
Some manufacturers (like DCS) support DSD over AES/EBU but it’s a proprietary setup that will only work with other DCS gear. It sounds great btw, especially when you use dual AES connections and use Transparent Ref XL cable ...
1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
comfort: there are many disc players out there with XLR outs.
no offense, but a person will find them by going to the manufacturers websites. 

Your NAD M5 appears to be part of the higher end NAD series. 
That NAD line is very good, and the OPPO (sorry guys) is NOT a proper replacement. The Oppo does many things well, but nothing really well, particularly the transport mechanism (power supply, circuitry) that I have A/B tested myself. Compared to the Sim CDP, the Oppo was a pip-squeak. 
I then immediately sold the Oppo. 
_comfortablynumb's avatar
_comfortablynumb OP
2 posts
 
Thank-you all for your responses . . so it appears that although I THOUGHT I was getting true SACD playback, I actually wasn't (it did sound great, tho).  Since I'm (re)starting at point zero, are there any thoughts on good (not ultimate) CD player/transport options to optimize a balanced throughout system??  Once again . . Thank-you !!















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