DAC S5b - simultaneous output to single-ended RCA and balanced XLR?
Hi,
Other DACS I've own recommend only using one output at a time, either RCA or balanced but not both simultaneously because it can cause signal imbalance issues.
What is the recommendation for S5b? Can we use both outputs at the same time?
The most simple answer is yes, you can.
Both outputs are driven by the same output buffer, but this buffer is very capable, and it can easily drive (more than) two (pre)amps.
Also, referring to the S5b output setup with capacitively coupled RCA and transformer-coupled XLR output, there is no conflict between these two paths. The XLR output, due to transformer coupling, is practically a separate loop. Its pin 1 is connected to the earth (chassis) ground, and pins 2 and 3, as such, are floating. Hence they are fully "set" by the downstream (pre)amplifier (in a way it deals with pins 2 and 3).
HTH