[Marius]

Hi James,

Just bought and downloaded http://www.gimell.com/recording-victoria---lamentations-of-jeremiah.aspx in flac to usb-thumbdrive, playing on the BDP-1 (connected AesEbu to the BDA, BDa connected through RCA to the BP26 )right now, along with the cd playing on the BCD1 both through balanced XLR and rca.

I can easily compare the 3 only by turning the sourceselector in the bp26. Balanced 2, Aux (bdp1/bda1) cd (bcd1).

I find the BCd1 through the balanced connection to be the most natural one. How can that be? Downloaded recording is of high resolution, compared to the 16/44.1 of the original cd.

MIght the balanced connection make such a big difference. Not only is the output stronger, which of course is to be expected, but the bdp-1 sounds more harsh and "electronic", whilst the BCD1 is more comforting to the ear and sounding more natural and rounded.

Quality of USB stick is of importance? I believe mine not to be of High-end status...

Greetings,
Marius

[James Tanner]

Hi Marius,

I do not find that to be the case in my setup but you have to go with what sounds best to you.   I use the balanced connection myself - (must be 110 ohm cable) but it is not a huge difference.  In fact the terrific review we have coming out in Absolute Sound Magazine in September the reviewer prefered the BNC.   The thumbdrive should not make any difference and give it some time to break in a bit.

james

[Marius]

Sure,
but in respect of the technical questions:
-    Quality of USB stick is of any importance to sound quality,
-    and XLR vs RCA connection sound quality? Am I doing the setup less then justice comparing nonXLR BDP1 vs XLR BCD1?

Hi Marius,

i do not find that to be the case in my setup but you have to go with what sounds best to you.

james

[James Tanner]

Sure,
but in respect of the technical questions:
-    Quality of USB stick is of any importance to sound quality,
-    and XLR vs RCA connection sound quality? Am I doing the setup less then justice comparing nonXLR BDP1 vs XLR BCD1?

I use the balanced connection myself - (must be 110 ohm cable) but it is not a huge difference.  In fact the terrific review we have coming out in Absolute Sound Magazine in September the reviewer prefered the BNC. 

[Marius]

Hi James,

Got myself a state of the art vandenhull XLR to connect the BDA1 to the BP26. BDP1 to BDA already AESEBU vandenhull. output level is quit large, have to keep the volume down to 10 o'clock.... That's normal? SoundQuality is marvellous though, I always feel XLR sounds different than rca. Better for that matter. Maybe psychology

Marius

I use the balanced connection myself - (must be 110 ohm cable) but it is not a huge difference.  In fact the terrific review we have coming out in Absolute Sound Magazine in September the reviewer prefered the BNC. 

[terrycym]

Hi James,

Got myself a state of the art vandenhull XLR to connect the BDA1 to the BP26. BDP1 to BDA already AESEBU vandenhull. output level is quit large, have to keep the volume down to 10 o'clock.... That's normal? SoundQuality is marvellous though, I always feel XLR sounds different than rca. Better for that matter. Maybe psychology

Marius

Look at the specs, double the o/p with XLR because it's push/pull rather than single-ended

[Marius]

I am aware of that, thanks, but with my Bcd connected through XLR volume goes up to about 12-14 o'clock. Which gives a much bigger adjustment-range.

Look at the specs, double the o/p with XLR because it's push/pull rather than single-ended

[terrycym]

but my Marshall amp goes upto 11