A few questions on XDA-2, TT and speakers

[mepositive]

Hello.

I have ERT 8.3, XRef12 and ERC-2. Adding XDA-2, XPA-200 and XSP-1 shortly. I had a few early questions - apprecaite your inputs:

1. I plan to use Balanced connections. Should I connect the ERC to the XSP or the XDA?
2. My audio room is an average size bedroom. And I seldom get to play music too loud. Would there be any quality difference between using a XPA-200 vs 2 XPA-100s.
3. My audio rack is next to the left speaker. The current speaker wires are 12 gauge - some brand from Best BUy. Both wires are equal length despite one speaker being next to the audio center. Would it sound better if I bought Emotiva speaker wires, given that all the equipment is from them.
4. If i did go with Emotiva's speaker wire (or any one that you could suggest), would it be OK if one was 1m while the other is about 5-6m. Would the length difference be noticeable in output.
5. Thanks to a suggestion by Ronny, I'd likely add a Marantz TT15 to this set up. Is there any cable that you'd suggest to connect it to the XSP or would the included cable by Marantz be sufficient.

Thank you.

[garbulky]

1. Depends on which one you feel sounds better. If you connect the ERC-2 to the XDA-2 you will be using the DAC and analog stage on the xda-2 therebybypassing the ERC-2. So depends on which sounds better to you, the xda-2 or the erc-2
2. A tough one. I think even at moderate volumes having power on hand for quick dynamics is very helpful. However, the xpa-100 has 32 db gain and the xpa-200 has 29 db gain. I feel 29 db gain is advantageous. It's a tough question. Edit: I have the old UPA-2 which is the rebadged xpa-200 (with a little bit less). It's very powerful, but I feel it could do with a bit more power even at moderate volumes for dynamics if I was to nitpick. I plan to upgrade my amplifier to an xpa-1L or a hypex ncore amp.I've also run into some trouble which may be due to the 32db gain with my xda-1 (it also may be due to the line out of the xda-1).
3. No, it won't sound any better.
4. The length difference won't make a difference.
5. I don't know enough about turn tables to be 100% sure but if the included cable is new and not damaged and halfway competently made, then it should be sufficient. But I'll let somebody else answer this one.

[AudioHTIT]

Similar thoughts.

1. I'd hook the balanced outs from the ERC-2 to the balanced in on the XSP-1. You could also (for fun) simultaneously hook the coax or TOSLink out from the ERC-2 to the XDA-1, this would allow you to A/B the ERC DAC vs the XDA DAC, maybe you'd then know for sure, or maybe it's just fun to be able to do it.
2. Do you really want another amp in the bedroom? I'd go with the XPA-200.
3. Like GB I'd say don't bother unless you like the look or quality of the Emo's, then by all means get them.
4. Ditto
5. If the supplied cable is quiet and well built then I'd use it, if the connections don't seem solid and grip well, or if you hear any hum you might consider some Emo or BJ cables (cables can't solve all TT hum problems).