Which cables for Bartók + Diablo 300?

[Ermos (Erno)]

Hi, and welcome to the community.

The Bartók does not have balanced inputs, but balanced outputs.

[FAQ] Which DAC output is better – balanced or unbalanced?

The balanced output uses complex class-A stages, they give noticeably better sound quality than the much simpler unbalanced output stages. The balanced outputs behave like coupling transformers so they can drive an unbalanced input provided that XLR connector pin 3 is connected to pin 1 at the end of the cable farthest from the DAC. Used like this, you may find that muting clicks are more noticeable. We recommend using the unbalanced outputs to drive an unbalanced input.

The input sensitivity of the Diablo 300 is 0,617V, so it is best to output your Bartók at 2V, if you connect it directly to the Diablo without a preamp. Which you do, of course, because the Diablo 300 is an integrated amp.