Master/slave link

[IanG-UK]

Devialets solution for linking 2 units with a RCA-XLR set-up only follows the classic way of connecting RCA-XLR ie hot (signal) to pin 2 and then ground (return) to pin 1 and 3, but signal would still be 75 ohm in the case of connection 2 units as output from Dev is 75 ohm (or is it not for some reason?).

As I see it Dev may have their own solution in form of a transformer with auto detect conversion if it is 75 or 110 ohm or it is simply a compromise but due to the transformer it is still a more stable handling of the signal hence the better solution!?

If Dev has a proprietary solution I guess it is at least pat pending and the time gone since such invention would have been filed it should be in the public domain. So until Dev show anything on this matter I am sceptic.

Cheers/Mike

Hi Mike

As you say, the physical link RCA to XLR still keeps the output specification in "RCA mode" at the companion XLR socket: hot to pin 2 and ground to pins 1 and 3; then behind the XLR socket is presumably a balun activated by the configuration definition when in dual-mono RCA/XLR mode. I can't imagine this is patentable as its simply a combination of a balun and a switch, so there is nothing new.

So I'm quite happy to accept Devialet's word that the cable can be one of standard formation without any intermediate "box" - and I'm really not willing to speculate €260 when Devialet suggest that that is unnecessary. If I did doubt them I think I would try the Neutrik device first (for £30) since if there is a pertinent effect that will primarily, IMO, come through the insertion of the balun rather than through the linking wires. I'm a cable sceptic particularly in relation to digital transmission, at least until one of the magazines get some statistically significant blind listening results to validate any differences - but we have been waiting years for that to happen ... and I suspect we will continue to wait years in the future ...