[gr34td3str0y3r]

I live in Japan and they just don't have the same options they do in the USA. It has been really frustrating at time trying to find what I am looking for, info about it, and within budget. 
 
I think I have finally found the PERFECT piece of equipment for my needs.the TEAC UD-301
http://audio.teac.com/product/ud-301/
 
What are the XLR for? I get that they are balanced output. But past that I don't really know/understand what its for. 
 
Ideally I would want to hook up some monitor speakers. Is that possible? (Simply for example: http://audio.teac.com/product/ls-301/)
 
TEAC has another configuration. the  AI-301DA
http://audio.teac.com/product/ai-301da/images/
 
The only problem is that this one has no RCA outputs. I would like the option to hook up a tube amp one day. 
 
Ideally RCA and monitor speaker outputs would be the ideal case. 

 

[PleasantSounds]

XLR in the UD-301 can be used to connect monitors, just not the ones you linked - these are passive speakers and require amplifier.
Look for "studio monitors" - these usually can be hooked up using XLR. I have no idea what your budget and requirements are, but as an example you could look at the JBL LSR305.

 

[rajeevrn]

  I live in Japan and they just don't have the same options they do in the USA. It has been really frustrating at time trying to find what I am looking for, info about it, and within budget. 
 
I think I have finally found the PERFECT piece of equipment for my needs.the TEAC UD-301
http://audio.teac.com/product/ud-301/
 
What are the XLR for? I get that they are balanced output. But past that I don't really know/understand what its for. 
 
Ideally I would want to hook up some monitor speakers. Is that possible? (Simply for example: http://audio.teac.com/product/ls-301/)
 
TEAC has another configuration. the  AI-301DA
http://audio.teac.com/product/ai-301da/images/
 
The only problem is that this one has no RCA outputs. I would like the option to hook up a tube amp one day. 
 
Ideally RCA and monitor speaker outputs would be the ideal case. 

 
I would suggest the TEAC UD-301. It says in the description clearly that it can be used as a pre amp so you should be able to connect your tube amp to it.
 

XLR
Connector	XLR-3-32
Maximum output level	+14dBu(1kHz, full-scale, 10k ohms with load, 0dB when set)
Output impedance	200 ohms
RCA
Connector	RCA jack
Maximum output level	2.0Vrms(1kHz, full-scale, 10k ohms when loaded)
Output impedance	100 ohms

 
The difference between XLR and RCA are clear from the above table. Generally balanced allows you to connect those devices which have higher impedance.
 
Also it has a 6.3mm headphone jack which should be alright.
 
But I dont think you will be able to connect Monitor speakers to it unless they are active speakers which have a built in amplifier. Maybe you can connect 30w+30w speakers to it, but I am not sure.

 

[gr34td3str0y3r]

  XLR in the UD-301 can be used to connect monitors, just not the ones you linked - these are passive speakers and require amplifier.
Look for "studio monitors" - these usually can be hooked up using XLR. I have no idea what your budget and requirements are, but as an example you could look at the JBL LSR305.

wow. Thanks. Okay that makes more sense. Didn't think about looking at the difference between passive and active speakers. 
Those JBL are perfect. They even sell them in Japan and are affordable for my poor wallet. 

 

[rajeevrn]

  wow. Thanks. Okay that makes more sense. Didn't think about looking at the difference between passive and active speakers. 
Those JBL are perfect. They even sell them in Japan and are affordable for my poor wallet. 

Ok if you will consider, these are also quite good The Samson Studio GT :
 
http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Studio-Active-Monitors-Interface/dp/B003ZWETMU
 
They have XLR connectivity too, plus you can connect your instruments too if you have any. Please read reviews carefully before making any decision.