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XLR to RCA interconnect. Does mixed connectors provide less noise compared RCA to RCA?

I am currently using Signal Audio Cable which is XLR to RCA. between the pre-outs of Rogue integrated amp and a Balanced Audio Technology VK-200 amp which has both XLR  and RCA connectors.  I

 was holding out to replace the Rogue with either a BAT pre-amp with both XLR and RCA or another brand of pre-amp which is equal to the BAT.   However, I got a great deal on a Conrad Johnson PV-14L SE ( with the upgraded caps) which has all RCA's. 

My questions is it worth getting the same XLR to RCA to connect an Ayre CX7e mp CD player which has  XLR outputs to the CJ preamp's CD inputs, or just stay with the Harmonic Technology "Truth Link" RCA to RCA  IC  ( previous model but highly rated) I currently use. 

Is there one brand of XLR to RCA interconnects that is better sounding than others. I almost bought  a Mogami XLR to RCA, but it was too long and more money.    Thank you

sunnyjim
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Thank you to all who responded. I wish I had relatives who were as courteous.

Nevertheless, I need to  study each response.

BTW, there is a toggle switch on the back of  the Ayre CD player that offers either RCA or XLR  connectors.  More than likely I will buy a better XLR to RCA interconnect if such exists  than the Signal Audio cable. 

 As far as CD player, I currently use an older Harmonic Technology  "Truth Link" IC which sounds good and is well made. The speaker cables are HT's Reference Pro 11+ which was highly praised in past reviews.  No BS in the reviews, the cables are  highly coherent and deliver good sound. Unfortunately, they as thick as an Anaconda snake.

P.S.  We all know that as soon as you make a :"mighty" product decision, something else pops up on the radar.  In this case, it is a almost mint BAT VK-3i tube pre-amp with remote. It offers both XLR and RCA inputs. It is tempting to buy it and pllay Russian roulette with the CJ and the BAT pre-amps.  It is available by a vendor on e-bay that sells by auction only 

However, I don't want to give the wife more ammunition to commit me

Alas, happy holidays to all   sunnyjim  


 

williewonka
3,072 posts
 
Question for Almarg - Al,  would the impedance of the XLR be different to the RCA - if so could that have an impact on sound qualjty?

Any thoughts as to which one should have the greater impedance

Thanks

almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Hi Steve (Williewonka),

In this particular case, per my second post in the thread it appears very likely that the RCA output of the CDP is provided with the same signal that is provided to XLR pin 2 (the non-inverted signal in the balanced signal pair). Assuming that is the case, there would of course be no difference in impedance or any other signal characteristics between those two points. And if an adapter cable is used, XLR pin 2 is what would be routed to the RCA input of the preamp.

A lot of components which provide both RCA and XLR outputs are designed that way. And likewise in many cases for components which provide RCA and XLR inputs. In many of those cases involving inputs the center pin of the RCA connector and pin 2 of the XLR connector are wired together, and a switch is provided to ground pin 3 of the XLR connector when the RCA input is being used.

In some other designs, though, separate and independent driver or receiver stages are provided for the RCA and XLR connectors. In those cases, of course, impedances as well as overall sonic performance can differ in either direction depending on the specific design.

Sunnyjim 11-21-2016
BTW, there is a toggle switch on the back of the Ayre CD player that offers either RCA or XLR connectors.
Are you sure about that, Jim? I’ve looked at the manual and at several rear panel photos and the only switches I see are one that turns the player’s digital output on or off (the digital output is provided on an XLR connector, as AES/EBU), and a switch that selects between "measure" and "listen" modes.

Best regards,
-- Al

sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Almarg, I have to check the back of the CD player, or I should have checked the manual first before responding  However, I will check with Ayre tomorrow . 

Thanks again, and to all who have responded with sound advice. and comments.  SJ     

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,677 posts
 
In case its not obvious, the crux of this is that single-ended and balanced connections are inherently incompatible. That’s why Jensen transformers can be an excellent solution as transformers can convert from one to the other with ease.

I figure balanced is the way to go myself. But if your preamp is single-ended though there’s not much point in using a different cable (it’s single-ended regarldess of the connector). Just run RCAs to the amplifier have done with it.
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