2. digital
  3. 1086236895

Opus 21 cable questions

Ok, I finally have the final piece to my system, as I have purchased a used Resolution Audio Opus 21 cdp. (Well, it is on the way anyway.)

I have two questions:

What balanced interconnect will work best with this cdp?
(I use an Ayre K-1X preamp, which is running fully balanced, fyi.) I don't really have a lot of money, so no Valhalla type suggestions. Keep it under a few hundred dollars for a used 1 meter pair please.

Also, any thoughts on the power cable, and whether it needs to be upgraded to get the best sound out of the Opus 21. Or if you find that your get the really good sound with the stock power cable, let me know that too. Again, inexpensive suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks for all your help, in advance!
kurt_tank
bigkidz
1,784 posts
 
Buy the Shunyata Black Mamba power cord, it really refines the sound of the 21.

Happy Listening.
reb1208
518 posts
 
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.
kurt_tank OP
1,188 posts
 
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!
budrew
467 posts
 
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!
More to discover