Using RCA & XLR connections at same time on Amp


I have been looking for a quality CD player to add to my system. Currently, I have a Pass 3x amp and a Naim av2 processor driving Joseph 22's.

The problem is that I use an Arcam Diva as both my dvd & cd player. So, I was thinking, what if I got a Mark Levinson 39. As it has the processor built in, I could leave the 5-DIN to RCA connections to AV2 for the Arcam DVD player and utilize the XLR connections from the ML to XLR connections on the Pass Amp. This way, I bypass the Naim unit entirely and use the theoretically better ML for two channel.

Is there a reason why this does not work. I was told by a Pass/Wadia dealer it would not work, why?

Also, I know Wadia and Mark Levinson have direct volume control and XLR connections, what other CD players have this processor functionality and have XLR connections?

Please advise.
yetis
I did almost exactly what you describe with a Bryston power amp and a Resolution Audio CD-55 player (which does have XLR outputs and an analog volume control). Works like a champ, as long as you can easily reach around to the back of the amp to switch the input.
Don't have any specs on the ML-#39, but one thing that will work for you is a two input/one output transformer volume control (passive pre). I have one that has both XLR and RCA inputs..it has balanced output to my Krell amp. I can switch between the two on the front panel of the passive unit (no need to switch amp cables).

I may (not sure yet) sell my unit in a week or so if the amp I have for sale on Audiogon does not sell.

There may also be some kind of high quality switch box you could buy, not sure about that one.

Dave
Warning: Some amps, especially those that are not truly balanced share some parts at the balanced/unbalanced ports. So, while you are using balanced, you might be sending a signal back up the line to the unbalanced components. The switch, in this case, is not designed as a 'cut-off', but more like a router.

If you happen to have both systems on at the same time, you might be in for some serious, big time trouble.

I understand McIntosh would be one case where you must avoid this.

BE CAREFUL!!!!!
I'm doing the same w/ Bryson 7b-st's, I think you should be O.K. w/ your Pass. Yet just to be on the save side I would take good ol'e UncleJeff's advice. Call or email Nelson Pass & see? Good luck!
If the amp does not have selector switch on the back for RCA/XLR, then it is very likely that the inputs are common (+ for RCA = + for XLR). Therefore, you do not want to connect two sources to the amp at the same time. This will essentially short the two sources together. If they are low-impedance, this could do damage. At a minimum, the sound will suck because of the loading caused by the other source.