2. analog
  3. 175198-1640

Is the Schiit Magnius up to the task ???

My sysem has

  • a Simaudio MOON lp5.3 RS phono stage 
    • is has both RCA and XLR outputs
    • it is connected to my Bryston B135 Amp
      • via exceptional single ended IC's
    • NOTE: The amp does not have XLR inputs

But I'm curious to know if the XLR outputs from the LP5.3 will provide any sonic improvement over he RCA outputs.

So I went looking for an active unit to insert between the LP5.3 and the Bryston and stumbled upon the Schiit Magnius Headphone amp

I do not want to use a simple convertor plug 

So My Questions...:

  • is the Magnius up ot the task of providing a "high end" single ended output from its XLR balanced inputs
  • The Freya might be another choice, but the price is getting up there 
  • Or are there any other units I should be looking at - around the same snack bracket i.e. <$500

 

Many Thanks - Seve

williewonka
tweak1
3,676 posts
 

Paul McGowan enlightened me about the benefits of XLR some 25 years ago, BUT, the I/Os must be TRUE balanced circuits to enjoy what XLR is capable of.

As to only good for long runs: I compared the exact same manufacturer same run of 0.5m to1.0m XLRs and easily heard the differences

 

hth

williewonka OP
3,082 posts
 

Thanks all for your replies.

I did contact Simaudio and therii opinion was that

while there should be no difference (i.e. if using their gear) there MAY be a small improvements to be had.using the XLR cables.

Since no one was overly enamoured with the Shiit products and since the Simaudio Moon contact does not believe there would be a significant improvement by using XLR cables, I have decided not to proceed. 

The single ended cables I currently have are excellent performers

  • and building a set of XLR cables just to satisfy my own curiosity would take away funds from other possible "projects"

Thanks to all that posted - much appreciated

Regads - Steve 

 

 

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,631 posts
 

Good choice.

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