Running balanced. Difference between XLR vs. RCA.

There is a Catch 22 with balanced cables:

Balanced cables reject external common mode noise, which decreases the chances of that annoying electrical hum;

Balanced cables bond equipment with a ground wire creating another ground path, which increases the chances of that annoying electrical hum.

There are benefits of one to another - both ways. Try each one, the best RCA's and XLR's you can afford. That's the only sure way to answer your question.

My 2 cents... I replaced all my single-ended interconnects with the same brand of balanced, Tara Air-2, and the result was a more musical, less technical presentation. The sound was much more open. I agree that it is system dependent, so the best advice is to try it.

Gs, balanced pro equipment offer a ground lift switch on back to break such ground loops if necessary. Or you can just wire the connector as such.

Also, a balanced input stage in an otherwise un-balanced design will offer all the benifits of balanced input. Why do I people always repeat that? Its just as if there were a transformer input converting a balanced input to single ended, all the common mode is reduced just the same. Is there something else you mean?

steve

I've purchased a pair of Simaudio W-10 mono blocks and P-5 preamp. The manufacturer suggests either interconnects, XLR or RCA, for balanced operation. From the little amount I know of balanced operation... it takes both signals (+ and -) and only amplifies the difference of what is 180 degrees out of phase? Thereby cancelling any added noise? Can it do this with RCA? The manufacturer says if you aren't running in a balanced mode then use only the + input with RCA, and cap the un-used - input, as long as your preamp doesn't invert the signal. If running balanced mode with RCA then use + and -. Of course it does have XLR capabilities also. I contacted Simaudio on this with no recommendations, just some suggested cables. Wanted to get some info from the Audiogoner's experts, and then audition some cables, and let my ears make the final conclusion. Thanks for the responses.

their literature is a little misleading, you will need a balanced xlr cable to us the amp in balanced mode as they are designed for. Just get any cable you like or even a generic pro cable like a Canare or Belden based one and enjoy those amps!

steve