Thanks for your responses guys. My Joule Electra LA-100 MkIII is a very good sounding preamp to my ears. . .but it's single-ended. I really don't want to have to replace it simply to get balanced connectors.
Garfish, I've heard the same thing you have in the debate about which is better. I'm using 1 meter IC's, so it's not a matter of long cable runs. I guess I'll stick with what I have.
I'm currently doing A/B testing of the Electrocompaniet
EMC-1 and Sony 777es to determine which sounds better in my system. At this time, the Sony is winning. Since it doesn't have balanced outputs, the question would be moot. However, and this is where it could get tricky, I'm thinking of upgrading the EMC with the 24/192hz upgrade card. If this should prove to be the ticket for redbook, I'll be pondering the same question again.
I guess there's always something on the horizon to think about. Sometimes I wish I could simply relax and enjoy the music. Although, tweaking is what make the hobby so much fun (and expensive).
Garfish, I've heard the same thing you have in the debate about which is better. I'm using 1 meter IC's, so it's not a matter of long cable runs. I guess I'll stick with what I have.
I'm currently doing A/B testing of the Electrocompaniet
EMC-1 and Sony 777es to determine which sounds better in my system. At this time, the Sony is winning. Since it doesn't have balanced outputs, the question would be moot. However, and this is where it could get tricky, I'm thinking of upgrading the EMC with the 24/192hz upgrade card. If this should prove to be the ticket for redbook, I'll be pondering the same question again.
I guess there's always something on the horizon to think about. Sometimes I wish I could simply relax and enjoy the music. Although, tweaking is what make the hobby so much fun (and expensive).