My DAC has both RCA and XLR outputs. My 1 year old tube preamp has both RCA and XLR inputs. My 10+ years old budget 5.1 channel receiver has only RCA inputs. In a sudden, I had an idea to want to make two setups to compare the sound.
Setup A (tube):
Tube amps (50 watts per channel) and preamp, a pair of top of the line 2-1/2 way tower horn speakers of this speaker series with the name brand audiophile series of XLR interconnect, power and speaker cables, total MSPR cost was way way over $10K in retail stores. All components are fairly new.
Setup B (solid state):
AV receiver (95 watts per channel) and a pair of midrange smaller 4-way tower cone speakers with stock or self-made RCA interconnect, power and speaker cables, total MSPR cost was $1K top. All components are 10+ years old.
Source, volume, room treatment, and listening position were the same for both setups. I used mute function to turn on and off the sound simultaneously on both setups to try to hear the differences immediately. Here were the results:
1. Setup A was sounding slightly warmer. Bass was slightly less punchy as well.
2. Setup B was sounding noticeably brighter and a bit more dynamic. Bass was also a bit punchier.
3. Sound stage, vocal clarity and musical presence were about the same.
My thoughts:
1. Since there was no huge difference in sound quality between two setups, I recommend not to let the price tags drive your choice when you shop for your gears.
2. High quality playback source is the key to have great music, not necessary the amps, the preamps or the cables.
I would like to hear your opinions. Welcome to share.
