Do Costly XLR Cables Make A Difference?

Nice integrated until you have a problem with it. Some 5 years ago a friend had one with a problem. His emails to Italy went unanswered for long periods of time! And no one in the US seemed capable of resolving it (probably no schematics available). Now that aside, I seriously doubt it's true balanced (only 2 tubes). Checking Pathos site, no indication it is true balanced: many companys add XLR inputs for convenience, not because of an actual sonic benefit, but if that's what you have why not use it?

You will likely get much bigger benefits by treating all your cables with Mad Scientist Graphene Contact Enhancer. IMHO, by far the best tweak one can make

hth

depends on the cable and how it is used----But YES they do

@reimarc

"if the event takes place around the conductor and not through it, how can its material make a difference?"

Because all materials involved form an inter-relationship, as do electromagnetic fields outside of the system. Its not just "one thing" happening.

@tweak1 - That's interesting to hear.  The local shop that I purchased it from (used) will repair Pathos I'm fairly certain.  Also, I'm a member of a Pathos group on FB and one of the members works at Pathos and is routinely asking questions and such.  She even pushed on Upscale Audio for me when I was trying to get a remote for it through them.

Because all materials involved form an inter-relationship, as do electromagnetic fields outside of the system. Its not just "one thing" happening.

The field is part of the system, it is not outside of it.