Balanced usage with Opus 21

The balanced outs will definitely give you better performance than the RCAs, although how much you'll notice will depend on how easily you hear changes in your system. It is not a "OMG, it takes it to a whole new level" kind of difference, but a subtle improvement in clarity.

Whether the DIN output will be better than the balanced outs will depend on the quality of the cable you can find with a DIN option. I compared an Audience AU24 DIN-RCA cable (into a Neutrik RCA-XLR adaptor into my balanced preamp) against Au24 XLR interconnects and found the performance of the DIN output to be better. Changing that to an Audience Conductor DIN-RCA cable, the Au24 XLR inteconnects performed better.

I believe that the Balanced outs use 2 DACs per channel and the RCA outs use only 1 DAC per channel. Much like the CD-55.

One could surmise that 4 is better than 2 ...but that isnt always so! Having said that, I prefer the balanced outs over the RCAs on the Opus.

Philnyc,
I use mine balanced as well, and am curious why it will give me better sound than the RCA setup. Is it strictly a noise issue , or are there other reasons?
Thanks for the info,
CARL

If running direct to an amp it is far better to use the XLRs simply because of the higher voltage output. The difference between the RCA and XLR is more dynamic, and easier drive.

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.