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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
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.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

 TO atmasphere,   Your last point is well taken

Despite a wealth of technical knowledge provided to this thread's question,  t might be better to stick with RCA to RCA connections. As it stands, the Ayre CD player seems to fair well with the 'older"  version of Harmonic Technology's "Truth Link" IC  which received a lot of good press. 

 However, my experiment with the  Signal Audio XLR to RCA interconnect I used first to hook up my BAT VK 200 amp to the Rogue pre-outs, may need rethinking how that I purchased the CJ PV14LSE which is all RCA's.

Regardless, of the more than  satisfactory sound the Signal cable delivers, it might be worth replacing it with a higher quality RCA interconnect that is superior in sound quality and signal delivery  I may have abdicated the noise reduction benefits of XLR to XLR IC's by buying the CJ,  but on the other hand may gain much in sound quality across the board  by finding a newer IC with better synergy between the CJ and BAT components.   Thanks to all who responded,  SJ 

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