orsonwellz
New Head-Fier
Hi folks...
I'm a long-time Head-Fi reader, but I seldom post, so forgive me if I'm in the wrong place with this post or am doing anything else like the under-informed rookie that I am.
My question is this: What would you say is the best way to utilize the balanced out feature on my Opus #1 DAP?
Here's what I'm dealing with...getting the proper balanced headphone cable is no problem, whether I opt to begin trying balanced with my 400i, my 6XX or my Meze Classic 99. But I can't seem to figure out the best way to connect from my Opus to my iFi Zen CAN, prior to including my headphones in the chain.
As you may know, the Opus has a 2.5mm balanced output, while the Zen CAN has a 4.4mm balanced input. Obviously, an adapter of some type is required.
But here's the sticking point: I use my Opus almost exclusively as my bedside audio source. Which means I need easy access to it in order to punch up the desired music, etc. The only 2.5-to-4.4mm adapters I've seen on Amazon are very, very short. They would permit me to hook up the Opus to the Zen only if I place and leave the Opus right next to the Zen. Which means that with the balanced circuit hooked up I could not sit nearby my equipment and use my Opus. Rather, I would have to somehow see and utilize the Opus menus as it sits tucked into the little cabinet that houses my Zen. Unless, of course, I also utilized an extension cable. And there's the rub. I can't find any cord of decent length (say 2 or 3m) that is either 2.5 to 2.5, 4.4 to 4.4, or some combination of the two. Adapters of all sorts, yes...but they're all so short...and I'm guessing that's because they are designed for connecting a DAC to an amp, in which case a length of several inches is just fine.
Am I missing something here?
I can go directly from my headphones into my Opus, of course, without the need of any connecting accessories other than the balanced headphone cable and, perhaps, a 2.5-to-4 pin adapter. But I want to involve my Zen amp; it really improves the listening experience.
So...any suggestions? At least some other folks must do this sort of arrangement, right? I suspect there's a straightforward solution to this, but my addled brain will not help me figure out what that solution is. Story of my life.
I've probably neglected to provide some important piece of information. If so, just let me know. I'll respond forthwith.
Otherwise, thanks in advance for whatever help or advice you can offer.
Standing by...
I'm a long-time Head-Fi reader, but I seldom post, so forgive me if I'm in the wrong place with this post or am doing anything else like the under-informed rookie that I am.
My question is this: What would you say is the best way to utilize the balanced out feature on my Opus #1 DAP?
Here's what I'm dealing with...getting the proper balanced headphone cable is no problem, whether I opt to begin trying balanced with my 400i, my 6XX or my Meze Classic 99. But I can't seem to figure out the best way to connect from my Opus to my iFi Zen CAN, prior to including my headphones in the chain.
As you may know, the Opus has a 2.5mm balanced output, while the Zen CAN has a 4.4mm balanced input. Obviously, an adapter of some type is required.
But here's the sticking point: I use my Opus almost exclusively as my bedside audio source. Which means I need easy access to it in order to punch up the desired music, etc. The only 2.5-to-4.4mm adapters I've seen on Amazon are very, very short. They would permit me to hook up the Opus to the Zen only if I place and leave the Opus right next to the Zen. Which means that with the balanced circuit hooked up I could not sit nearby my equipment and use my Opus. Rather, I would have to somehow see and utilize the Opus menus as it sits tucked into the little cabinet that houses my Zen. Unless, of course, I also utilized an extension cable. And there's the rub. I can't find any cord of decent length (say 2 or 3m) that is either 2.5 to 2.5, 4.4 to 4.4, or some combination of the two. Adapters of all sorts, yes...but they're all so short...and I'm guessing that's because they are designed for connecting a DAC to an amp, in which case a length of several inches is just fine.
Am I missing something here?
I can go directly from my headphones into my Opus, of course, without the need of any connecting accessories other than the balanced headphone cable and, perhaps, a 2.5-to-4 pin adapter. But I want to involve my Zen amp; it really improves the listening experience.
So...any suggestions? At least some other folks must do this sort of arrangement, right? I suspect there's a straightforward solution to this, but my addled brain will not help me figure out what that solution is. Story of my life.
I've probably neglected to provide some important piece of information. If so, just let me know. I'll respond forthwith.
Otherwise, thanks in advance for whatever help or advice you can offer.
Standing by...
want to know if I should just return it 
