Opus 21 cable questions

I know you want a balanced cable suggestion, but I don't have one as the amps I owned at the time I had my Opus 21 did not have balanced inputs. However, as Lazarus stated, the DNM is the way to go if you want to bypass the internal volume control of the O21. There is a DNM DIN-RCA cable for sale here on AudiogoN (I have no affiliation with the seller) that will allow you to use the DIN output (not volume controlled) and connect the other end to a unbalanced RCA connector on your pre-amp.

Since you mentioned that you use a pre-amp, I'm suggesting the above. I think the DIN output of the O21 is the only output that bypasses the internal volume control built into the O21.

BTW, the internal volume control is very good IMHO, but why have it in the circuit if you don't need it?

Like Lazarus28, I miss my Opus 21 and may end up buying one again in the future. It is a great bargain IMHO....

Enjoy,

TIC

Buy the Shunyata Black Mamba power cord, it really refines the sound of the 21.

Happy Listening.

I heard this player at home expo and thought it was nothing special. It was connected using the Din and the top end sounded a bit veiled and unrefined. Be prepared to tune away when you get it home.

Thanks for the initial responses.

Additional questions then:

Has anyone compared the sound using XLR connections vs the DIN-RCA cable? (I realize that it compares running the signal through the volume control via the XLR cables against the DIN-RCA cables without it. I wonder if the difference is significant. I definitely want to use the preamp, so bypassing it is not an option.)

Do you think it would make sense to have a pair of DIN-XLR cables made up? (I ask, because the Ayre K-1X strength is to run it in balanced mode.)

Again, thanks for the responses! Keep 'em coming!

I recommend the Audience Au24 interconnect. You can usually find a pair on Audiogon. The Opus 21 is not truly balanced, but you may get additional gain through the balanced outs. However, the RCA cable may work fine for you too for less money. There is a new review of the Au24 on 6moons.com right now. The Au24 is my favorite overall cable.

But, if you really want to get the most out of the Opus 21 use an Audience Au24 DIN-RCA cable to bypass the volume control. You won't be able to find these used since they are essentially custom cables but it sounds great! It's about $600 for a meter, more than I prefer to spend but I did anyway because I like the Opus 21 so much and love the Au24. I tried the DNM DIN-RCA cable but was underwhelmed by it.

I've found that power cords do make a big difference with the Opus 21. I'd recommend an Audience PowerChord (yes, Audience again; they are just a good value) or even better a TG Audio power cord. You can probably find both on Audiogon.

Finally, i recommend using a Neuance platform which makes another big difference. You can get a single platform and place both components of the Opus 21 on it, which is how I use it, or get two separate platforms for the ultimate isolation. The single platform would be cheaper.

Enjoy the Opus 21. It's great!