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Should I upgrade to XLR interconnects?

I recently purchased a Marantz SA-11S3 SACD player to pair with my Marantz PM-11S3 integrated amp.   The SA-11S3 has balanced outs and the PM-11S3 has balanced ins.  Currently I am using RCA interconnects.  Is there any benefit to upgrading to balanced for these particular units? I do not want to drop big bucks on new cables if the benefits are minimal.
sjtm
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cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Balanced all the way!  
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Hi Bob,

What I intended to say is that non-differentially balanced equipment adds a conversion circuit, often using a cheap opamp, to convert the incoming "balanced" signal to single ended at the input stage and then again at the output stage to convert the SE signal to a "balanced" output. This additional circuitry is detrimental to sound quality IME.

Thanks for the correction.

Dave
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sjtm OP
92 posts
 
I tried calling Marantz but tech support has not called back yet.  In the meantime, I ordered a pair of BJC Canare Quad Star XLR balanced cables.  At $65 / pair delivered, I thought I can experiment without spending big bucks.  WE will see if there is any noticable difference.
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