Regarding the "balanced" XLR outputs on the SCD-1. The way this is implemented is reasonably well-known, but just in case you are not completely aware of the method, Allen Wright has this to say:
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/hirez/messages/125857.html
Regards,
The complex way SONY do the balanced outputs on the SCD-1 has been commented on here before.
To recap:
1/ The digital signals in the SCD-1 (and all the VC24 based players) are in Balanced format
2/ SONY then convert the Balanced analog signal that appears after their "current pulse" DACs into Unbalanced format, using several opamps
3/ They then filter the signal in Unbalanced format, with more opamps
4/ This Unbalanced signal is then output on the RCA jacks of all these players.
5/ But then, in the SCD-1 only, this unbalanced signal is RECONVERTED to a Balanced format and output on the XLR sockets - using even more opamps!
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/hirez/messages/125857.html
Regards,