Full featured balanced dac/preamp advice

Thanks again for the responses. I should probably have also mentioned what I am using now, the Onkyo P-3000R preamp. Below is some information from the Onkyo website:

Separate Digital/Analog Circuitry and Transformers

To prevent unwanted interference, the P-3000R employs physically separate circuitry for digital and analog processing. What’s more, it also features separate transformers for digital and analog circuitry. Using this design approach helps to eliminate noise and contributes to a cleaner overall sound.

Separate TI Burr-Brown DACs for L/R Channels

High-quality TI Burr-Brown DACs work to optimize analog audio performance on Onkyo’s new hi-fi components. The P-3000R pre-amp sports dual 32-bit PCM1795 DACs, which support sampling rates of up to 192 kHz, display high resistance to clock jitter, and handle a 123 dB dynamic range. Although these DACs can process two-channel audio on a single chip, Onkyo employs separate chips for each stereo channel, to ensure the most accurate digital-to-analog conversion.

The only reason I'm looking to upgrade is that it doesn't have balanced outputs to feed into my ATC P1 Pro amp that I recently bought here on Audiogon. I know it's a highly debated topic weather balanced will really be an improvement, but ATC highly recommends it and it's one of those things I won't know until I try it. Also I'm using an Onkyo C-7000R CD player that has the AES/EBU output that really sounds colossal when I use that connection with the P-3000R. If I were to buy something new that comes with a return policy I wouldn't be taking a great risk. Do you guys think I'm just chasing my tail with this obsession to go balanced? All opinions welcome

 

The answer to your question depends on the distance between pre and power amp. Anything less than 2m won‘t make much of a difference, anything further: balanced wins.

I have a Audio Alchemy DDP-1 (dac/pre) + PS 5 outboard power supply. It is really good. Peter M who is/was AA) designed the dac/pre/streamer for Elac. I've not heard it, but Enjoy the Music raved about it


hth

I believe the Rockna Wavelight has all the features that you are looking for.  I had a customer who did a side-by-side with Bel Canto and the Rockna and like the Rockna much better.  Of course, it is almost double the price so you would hope that it would be better.  

The Audio Alchemy DDP-1 definitely has the features. I love the two single ended and one XLR balanced inputs. Doesn't appear to be in production anymore. Maybe I could find a pre-owned unit with the power supply. Did a little research and I can't find out what dac chip is used. I know implementation is more important but it's still nice to know going in before purchase. Definitely nice to have more choices