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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
 
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
j_evege
29 posts
 
I am an Opus 21 owner. I run RCA Tara Labs vector 1 RCA cables from CDP to my Edge G1 Preamp which is RCA ONLY. I don't run the CDP directly to my Edge G4 amp b/c I also enjoy analogue and don't like switching cables all of the time.

Can someone please explain what you mean by the DIN connection? Is there another way (that is better than RCA to RCA)to get the best sound from my Opus 21?

Also, I have been using a Shunyata Taipan alpha VX powercord for the Opus 21. I believe there may be a better choice such as the VH audio Airsine. I feel like the sparkle and air from the top end could improve when I compare the sound to my analogue setup. Does anyone have suggestions for a better powercord for the Opus 21?
reubent
7,090 posts
 
J_evege,

The DIN connector on the back of the Opus 21 is not attached to the variable volume control inside of the Opus 21. I've read several accounts that suggest the DIN output sounds a bit better than the variable RCA output.

Since you use a pre-amp, you could use the DIN output from the Opus 21. You need to acquire a cable that is DIN on one end and dual RCA on the other end. I think Resolution Audio recommends the DNM cable, but they have a relationanship with DNM, so you need to take that into consideration. I know other cable vendors will build a DIN to RCA cable for you.

Some other component manufacturers use the DIN connector, so there are other cables on the market intended for a mixed DIN/RCA setup. Just be sure they are wired correctly for the RA Opus 21.

Enjoy,

TIC
gnsc
42 posts
 
FYI, a no cost option with the GNSC mods to the Opus 21 are to have us bypass the volume control to the RCA outputs which negates the need to use a cable that converts DIN to RCA. For many people who use a pre-amp with the Opus...it's a more desirable approach than being limited to certain cables.
brrgrr
163 posts
 
Steve, as an owner of one of your Opus 21 modded units, I'm curious what your recommendation is for best sound, in your opinion. And as it is subjective,I trust others will realize it is just that. Your opinion.
If you'd rather avoid comment in a public forum, I will certainly understand

Carl
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