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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
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.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Rkmca - what you are doing may sound okay in some cases, but it is a really bad idea.
rkmca
58 posts
 
Audioengr -- That's the reason I bought PCA-2 pre-amp, so I've excellent 2ch with HCA-2 and use HT bypass when I use the processor for home theater combining with a 3ch amp.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Mcaintosh has the switch---and the folks at McIntosh are very emphatic:

"Don't do it!!!!"
yetis OP
21 posts
 
Thank you everyone for your input. I think I will have to stick with the processor or get a seperate pre with a HT bypass. Below I have included the response from Pass Labs on the issue which I think pretty much ends the discussion as I don't really want to degrade the HT performance.

Thank You

Chris

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Chris,

Your dealer is partly correct. I will indeed work, but it will not be optimal on the RCA inputs. You will note in the instruction manual that we place a jumper between pins 1 and 3 of the XLR when using the RCA connections. Failure to install the jumper will loose you 6 dB of gain and
quite a bit of headroom on the RCA. However other than acute loss of power there is really no other great sonic penalty. Stressing the X3 is certainly not at issue. Keep in mind that the center channel of the X3 will swing
quite a bit more current than right and left channels.

Good luck
Pass Labs
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