"Obviously, before buying a Goldpoint, I should try the Oppo to XLR and Sony to RCA connections, because I may not need one. The distance from disc player to preamp to is less than 2' in all cases, but there are quite few nearby audio and power cables."
I would find out if the Oppo and the Sony are fully balanced. If they aren't balanced, they should sound just as good on the rca inputs.
I would find out if the Oppo and the Sony are fully balanced. If they aren't balanced, they should sound just as good on the rca inputs.