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cd player with xlr outputs

please explain the term and the benefits. seems to be included on higher end units. does xlr connect to the standard rca plug in the pre-amp. in other words, does the interconnect have xlr on one end and rca on the other. does anyone have any experience with the cec cd-3300. looking for reasonably priced player to replace fully modified music hall. maybe I should have kept it. thanks and regards
kckrs
fetguy
90 posts
 
I find that, with exactly the same cable brand and model number, the XLR always sounds slightly better. My guess is that the things the cable introduces is just cancelled out.
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
There is no amp or signal booster in the XLR connector. If the circuit is truly balanced, it will produce twice the voltage of a single-ended equivalent. I am sure Sean or Bobbundus or another tech head can explain the reason, but it is something inherent in the + and - and ground configuration compared to the single ended with just hot and ground.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
XLR is better for longer runs. It is also better when components at both ends are truly balanced. In my case, McIntosh told me that it is best to stick with RCA as I am avoiding some extra circuitry in the 2102 Amp used to convert the signal to unbalanced as the amp itself is unbalanced.
saxman2
99 posts
 
In my system XLR sounds much better(AA Capitole MKII
direct into Tenor 75's). The designer said his preference
with his CD Player is balanced. Just one case.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Yes, my AA Capitole Mark II is also balanced and it does sound much better even with the older Acoustat Electrostat self-powered (fully balanced) speakers that I bi-amp from my Audio Aero.

I was referring to the McIntosh 2102 Amp that is not fully balanced.
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