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Balanced usage with Opus 21

Hello All,
I've had my Opus 21 now for a couple months and love it to death. I'm NOT using the balanced outs as my MFa308cr only has RCA's. Could an Opus 21 user advise me as to what difference I'll hear if I get an amp with balanced inputs (yes, I know there is going to be a difference regardless because it will be a different amp) versus using RCA's?

Mucho thanks,
Tgyeti .... just Tgyeti
tgyeti
brrgrr
163 posts
 
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
fatcataudio
107 posts
 
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.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
philnyc
162 posts
 
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.
distortion
571 posts
 
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.
brrgrr
163 posts
 
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
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