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In Reply to: RE: I listened to both on stock 5400- posted by oldmkvi on February 11, 2014 at 08:03:54
I had a similar impression (SE better than balanced) but I used two different linestages. I will go back and listen again to the SE outputs into the same linestage I am now using. SE outputs into my other preamp (a Klyne) sounded fantastic, on RBCD. I little more top to bottom fullness compared to balanced, but again, into a different preamp.
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I've been switching between SE and XLR connections from an Oppo BDP-105 to a Parasound JC-2, an analog stereo preamp, and have discovered there is neither level nor quality difference in sound. When I switch during playing a CD or SACD the sound is continuous even though the light on the JC-2 indicates a switch of inputs.
But when I try the same routine with the Sony XA5400ES, SE level is higher than XLR level. The level difference makes comparison of quality more difficult, but if there is a difference in sound quality it is too subtle for me to detect.
The output of the JC-2 goes to Proceed HPA amps that drive KEF Reference 107/2s. My conclusion is the sound quality is superb from either the Oppo or Sony with either SE or XLR.
db
The Oppo BDP105 vs the Sony XA5400ES? Through a quirk of fate and the unfortunate illness of one of my best friends, I own both, too. I am quite surprised at the excellence of the Sony. Have not heard my Oppo in this same system.
Why were you surprised with the excellence of the Sony? It's gotten rave reviews all around.
I guess I should not have been surprised, since the 5400 was Sony's last flagship design, but I might not have put it in the same league as the BDP105 (because the latter is of later technology, maybe) or with the Ayre C5xeMP (because I think of the Ayre as the best there is for under $10,000). Yet, so far, I think the 5400 is right up there with those two.
As I mentioned, mine has the Allen Wright designed VSE upgrade which surely puts the 5400 at world class levels. I don't know how much these upgrades cost, but Bill Thallman can get it done since he is an authorized VSE dealer.
Yes, there are always ways to spend more money. Not for me for now. Bill has many tricks up his sleeve for hot-rodding digital gear; I discussed some of them with him yesterday.
I'm not sure which I prefer. I use the Oppo for surround and HDCD; for stereo I tend to use the Sony. They sound a bit different but both are superb. I think I've decide to use SE connection to the Parasound JC-2 for both. The JC-3 phono stage will continue to use XLR.
db
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