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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
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
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
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
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!!!!!
audiobugged
528 posts
 
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!
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
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.
rkmca
58 posts
 
I've done something similar, it works but sound quality varies, which I think was due to impedance mis-matching.
I've used PS HCA-2 which is balanced and have both RCA and XLR inputs. I've hooked up my Wadia 301 using XLR to XLR of HCA-2 and front L/R pre-outs from my Parasound processor using RCA to RCA of HCA-2. Just turned off the Parasound when I was using the Wadia, worked perfect.

The difference I've noticed was that if I don't turn off the Parasound and switch the source to a input which is not hooked up and play the cd player, sound level, resolution, bass evrything was higher. But if I turn it off and just use the cd player, sound level just drop and I've increase the volume level on Wadia.

I ended up getting a pre-amp with HT bypass and everything is perfect now. I run the Wadia with full volume through the pre-amp, get bigger soundstage, better resolution. I may lose some detail as Wadia is better in detail if you run direct to an amp.

I think you should try a pre-amp with HT bypass like PS PCA-2, ML 38/380. There may be others, I sure someone can provide you with some advice. Try to audition using a pre-amp before you buy a new cd player.
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