2. analog
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XLR out on a tuner?

I'm new to hifi and not an audiophile yet but learning a lot lately.

I'm following a Denon DN-300H tuner on the big auction site. It looks very clean and has a remote. I also noticed on the rear it has XLR cable outputs as well as RCA out. Is this sought after? Worth paying extra for? My pre-amp (Acoustic Research LS16) has two open XLR input ports marked Bal1 and Bal2. The price on the tuner is okay and if using XLR cables through the balanced input on the pre-amp is an advantage I might just buy it.

Any assistance much appreciated.
n80
celander's avatar
celander
1,503 posts
 
Al, 1+

Denon appears to adjust their output voltages as they seem fit. It’s 500mV for both outputs of the DN-300H (otherwise, they would have stated so if they differed). It’s different for their internet tuner, but they do specify output level differences where they exist. See:
https://denonpro.com/products/view3/dn-350ui

n80 OP
2,131 posts
 
I got the tuner today. I know why someone sold it. It hums. Not through the speakers, through its cabinet, primarily the top. A small amount of pressure at a single point on the top stops the humming. I can only hear it with the music muted and I have to be pretty close. From my listening position I cannot hear it at all even with the music off.

It does not seem like a malfunction, I think it is just poor design and construction. Probably not enough for me to send it back.

Otherwise it is like new and works great. 
celander's avatar
celander
1,503 posts
 
@n80. Weird. 
lewm
13,229 posts
 
Not so weird.  Probably only a transformer that needs either securing or tightening of the leaves.  Open up the cabinet.  If the transformer has bolts going through from one side to the other, tighten them.  Also, look to be sure that the transformer is tightly bolted to the chassis. Ideally it will be supported by some rubber-y footers.  Tightening everything up will likely rid you of the problem.  This thing is old, is it not?  Why are you so quick to dump on it, when in fact this is a typical problem that can apply to almost any vintage gear?  It may even be that someone tried to service it and left the transformer loose in the chassis.  If the two suggested cures do not work, you might be able to dampen the vibration by adding a weight on top of the transformer.
n80 OP
2,131 posts
 
I have no plans to dump it. I said above that the problem was not bad enough for me to send it back.

But thanks for the advice, I will do just as you suggest and take a look. Certainly can't hurt. And if all else fails I think I can simply set something on it and stop the hum. Even that is probably not necessary since I can not hear it from 12 feet away anyhow.

I do not know how old it is but definitely not vintage. Denon does not make it anymore but there appear to be some places out there where you can still buy one new, usually shown as special order, so who knows. Anyway, not real old.
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