Looking for a CD Player w/XLR Outputs...


I'm running a McIntosh 352 and I love it, but I've run out of inputs. All I have left is my balanced XLRs. 

I'd like to buy a nice CD player w/XLR outputs. I'm okay w/used, and definitely want something nice (pro equipment is okay too), but don't want to spend too much (~$600 tops). Any suggestions?

Jon

greenwd

Sony xa5400es has XLR, RCA, HDMI, Digital Out, sounds terrific

 

seller says verify still available

https://www.highperformancestereo.com/digital/sony-scd-xa5400es.html

another, from Japan, verify menu language and voltage

https://www.ebay.com/itm/197693283813?_trkparms=itmf%3D1%26aid%3D1110006%26rkt%3D4%26mech%3D1%26algv%3DSimVIDwebV4WithCtxRankerV1UnifiedFeatures%26pmt%3D1%26amclksrc%3DITM%26sd%3D326924970281%26sid%3DAQAKAAAAENzuT17fCLamfCG%2FHYihff8%3D%26itm%3D197693283813%26noa%3D0%26plcampt%3D0%3A58289169012%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26brand%3DSony%26asc%3D20231107084023%26ao%3D1%26rk%3D4%26pid%3D101875%26b%3D1%26mehot%3Dnone%26lsid%3D0%26meid%3De8c86cec7ebc4548b276122671edc91b%26pg%3D2332490&_trksid=p2332490.c101875.m1851&itmprp=cksum%3A197693283813e8c86cec7ebc4548b276122671edc91b%7Cenc%3AAQAKAAABELbQdNnV9E6H66rV4nIZYAZCOANuR76zl8wG%252FmKawEdd%252FZzO2T5yUdpwsFRr7Sz0JOb03uk3zP%252F5c0qH4DjenjeJt%252BVGJEzqp%252B4wVzm85OzBhx56P%252Bm7kZBbqlC1%252BvMFfP5AEQNFXRh6XwGfGLmitR0svYHwn6i8SumZpt2L8dlVEpyNMZ9UkFxypiVLv6vLYHUMUBqX38LcNv7bVJ6OWPJD8Iu7qnAUlYf6fwtp2RZpOTczowwDuqr1xhO7T2%252FvokvikLIw4FSC3xEso2nF5vwMgDg0fIYsendmYP9%252B%252BeOYMjrlArbAEYNC%252BZVMsVx1uTmTBZCnroVSIDWFyJXVoVg4pc%252FdRV7ARWq%252F3D1cvX%252BQ%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490

It plays SACDs also, and sends DSD out, not auto conversion to PCM as some units do

I asked for advice here, found one with low hours on the laser

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/sony-sacd-player-scd-xa5400es-yay-or-nay?highlight=sony%2Bxa5400%2Byay%2Bor%2Bnay

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/sacd-players-models-with-dsd-processor-used-and-new-not-dsd-conver?highlight=sacd%2Bdsd%2Bpcm

 

 

I am curious what is taking up your unbalanced inputs?  It seems to me that if you want a CD player with XLR out, you are accepting the internal DAC as good enough.  But you might be better off getting a good transport and using digital out to a good DAC with XLR out.  DAC quality and cost are moving quickly, and a few years from now you won't be looking for a whole new player, just a new DAC.

lots of adapters and cables with mixed ends exist

I used a set of xlr/rca adapters for a while, I did not hear any deterioration

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rca+to+xlr+adapter

....also, if you have a CD player already, just without XLR, consider keeping that and buying a DAC with XLR out $600.  There is the Denafrips Ares II which can be had for $550 $600 on USAM or other sites today.