Long XLR Interconnect Cables

I looked at the descriptions and technical specs for the AZ Absolute Silver, the Mogami 3173 (which appears to be an AES/EBU digital cable, btw, although that most likely isn’t an issue), and the output impedance specs for the non-Eclipse version of the Calypso, as indicated in Stereophile’s measurements. I also took into account that in the Eclipse version the value of the output coupling capacitors is doubled (which would reduce output impedance significantly), and the quality of those capacitors is also apparently improved.

The bottom line is that from a purely technical standpoint I don’t see any issues with either cable, in your application, at the length you indicated. (I would not say the same thing, btw, if you were connecting the Mogami cable via RCA’s, for which the preamp’s output impedance at high frequencies is much higher than for its XLR outputs).

But given Kijanki’s comments (which I always consider to be especially credible), and given that I find the description and specs of the AZ cable to be particularly impressive, and given that the design of the AZ is substantially different than the design of the Mogami in several respects, FWIW my guess is that you are likely to realize a significant upgrade going to the AZ. Whether or not that upgrade will be worth to you the many thousands of dollars that it would apparently cost I of course can’t say.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

I had Goertz balanced interconnects with a Aesthetix Calypso and Atlas. I replaced them with balanced Nordost Tyr 2 interconnects and the improvement was significant.

Thanks Al for your valuable input. Really great to have someone knowledgable around.

Hey adg101, how good IS the Clear Day balanced cable? I have the CD Double Shotgun speaker cable, which is a tremendous bargain. Is the balanced cable as well? I use Kimber silver ic's (KCAG and KCTG, both balanced and s-e), but need some more, and the Kimber's have become somewhat overpriced. Are the Clear Days in the same quality neighborhood to your knowledge and in your opinion?

The CD balance cable is a great cable, especially for the price. My father has a KCAG which I have used much and I think the Kimber is a fine cable too but yes they are pricier. His KCAG is single ended so I'm not sure it's a fair comparison but I feel maybe the KCAG is a tad smoother than the CD single end cable which I do own several pairs of as well, but when I switch to the CD Balanced cable I would say it's a step up over the Kimber. I will add as much as I really like Clear Days and Paul is a great guy, I just bought a WyWires Silver balanced cable and I hate to say it but I prefer it on my preamp anyway. The WyWires has everything the Clear Days has but is more natural and throws a bigger and deeper stage. Don't get me wrong, the Clear Day balanced cable is a tuff cable to beat unless you're spending 2 -3X the money. I'm using the WyWires on my amp and the Clear Days on my CDP. I'll put it this way; I now have an extra CD balance cable that I don't have a home for now but I'll keep because it's a fine cable that maybe I'll have use for later. 

I have the the double shotguns too with Paul's bi wire jumpers as well. Great cables.