[donny619]

I'm currently connecting my BDA-1 to my SP 1.7 with Transparent Cable RCA's. My SP 1.7 does not have XLR inputs. Would using a XLR to RCA conversion cable from the BDA-1 to the SP 1.7 make a difference? Or would it basically be the same as my current RCA to RCA? Thanks in advance.

Don

[James Tanner]

I'm currently connecting my BDA-1 to my SP 1.7 with Transparent Cable RCA's. My SP 1.7 does not have XLR inputs. Would using a XLR to RCA conversion cable from the BDA-1 to the SP 1.7 make a difference? Or would it basically be the same as my current RCA to RCA? Thanks in advance.

Don

Hi Don,

Generally I recommend with a 'digital' cable (because your operating at very high frequencies) the cable and the connector and the termination are important to prevent reflection etc.  The AES-EBU digital cable for instance should have a 110 ohm connection - the RCA digital cable should be a 75 ohm connection (including the RCA).  http://bryston.com/specsel.html

When using an 'analog' cable(s), as you are, then they are typically 50 ohms or 75 ohms for single ended (RCA) but there is no advantage to going from an XLR cable to an RCA if the XLR cable is not balanced at both ends to permit common mode noise reduction in the cable.

The longer the lengths the more these recommendations apply.


james

[donny619]

Thanks for the response James but I think there was a misunderstanding in the original question although you did answer it. I was asking about the connection between my BDA-1 DAC to to my SP 1.7 Preamp since the SP 1.7 does not have any XLR inputs.

But it was answered when you mentioned the "no advantage" part =)

BTW, the BDA-1 DAC is probably the best component I've purchased for my system. The reviews of course are consistent across the board. I will confirm that it gives my music great soundstage (the separation of instruments is amazing, and it makes the music so clear). It gives the music I listen to very tight bass and a lot of the details in the background instruments are extremely clear. I even hear things I never heard before.

I prefer having my SP 1.7 in Bypass mode when listening to music with the BDA-1 DAC (although I lose my subwoofer, but don't really need it).

I'm one of the minor majority who do not hear a difference when using the upsampling feature and currently have it disengaged (because on one track I actually concluded it sounded better without the unsampling).

Overall, I'm very satisfied with the product and wanted to add my 2 cents. I can say I listen to music every day again. For a long time, I didn't because I always preferred CDs and really stopped buying them when the digital music movement became mainstream. Even with the lossless audio formats, I was never quite satisfied with how music sounded vs my old CDs. But the BDA-1 has made it fun again!

Hi Don,

Generally I recommend with a 'digital' cable (because your operating at very high frequencies) the cable and the connector and the termination are important to prevent reflection etc.  The AES-EBU digital cable for instance should have a 110 ohm connection - the RCA digital cable should be a 75 ohm connection (including the RCA).  http://bryston.com/specsel.html

When using an 'analog' cable(s), as you are, then they are typically 50 ohms or 75 ohms for single ended (RCA) but there is no advantage to going from an XLR cable to an RCA if the XLR cable is not balanced at both ends to permit common mode noise reduction in the cable.

The longer the lengths the more these recommendations apply.


james

[James Tanner]

Thanks for the response James but I think there was a misunderstanding in the original question although you did answer it. I was asking about the connection between my BDA-1 DAC to to my SP 1.7 Preamp since the SP 1.7 does not have any XLR inputs.

But it was answered when you mentioned the "no advantage" part =)

BTW, the BDA-1 DAC is probably the best component I've purchased for my system. The reviews of course are consistent across the board. I will confirm that it gives my music great soundstage (the separation of instruments is amazing, and it makes the music so clear). It gives the music I listen to very tight bass and a lot of the details in the background instruments are extremely clear. I even hear things I never heard before.

I prefer having my SP 1.7 in Bypass mode when listening to music with the BDA-1 DAC (although I lose my subwoofer, but don't really need it).

I'm one of the minor majority who do not hear a difference when using the upsampling feature and currently have it disengaged (because on one track I actually concluded it sounded better without the unsampling).

Overall, I'm very satisfied with the product and wanted to add my 2 cents. I can say I listen to music every day again. For a long time, I didn't because I always preferred CDs and really stopped buying them when the digital music movement became mainstream. Even with the lossless audio formats, I was never quite satisfied with how music sounded vs my old CDs. But the BDA-1 has made it fun again!

GREAT - glad your enjoying your BDA-1   Your right - I should learn to read

james

[brucek]

I prefer having my SP 1.7 in Bypass mode when listening to music with the BDA-1 DAC (although I lose my subwoofer, but don't really need it).

The sub is available in bypass.

Just enable the "sub on in bypass mode" feature. The code is 060 (code mute, stereo, mute). The signal will be a full range mixed signal from the sub out jack (combined from the right and left channels), so you must bass manage it. This can be easily accomplished by dialing the subs own low pass filter down to 60Hz or whatever crossover you like.

brucek

[donny619]

Brucek. Thanks!!!

The sub is available in bypass.

Just enable the "sub on in bypass mode" feature. The code is 060 (code mute, stereo, mute). The signal will be a full range mixed signal from the sub out jack (combined from the right and left channels), so you must bass manage it. This can be easily accomplished by dialing the subs own low pass filter down to 60Hz or whatever crossover you like.

brucek