XLR interconnects

" Effort?  What effort?

XLR is the default.  Just do it! "

The effort for buying new cables for a system that's not balanced. And if the components are single ended, op amps are used to accommodate the cables, and can actually degrade sound quality. The money is better spent elsewhere.

" Reason I ask is that I will be getting a preamp that has XLR outputs and would consider using them if it truly makes a difference in sound over unbalanced. If not, then I'll stick with unbalanced cables and just enjoy the music."

Again, having components with xlr inputs and outputs, does not mean its balanced. Its not a small percentage either. Over 50% of xlr components fall into the single ended category. List some of the preamps you're looking at and I'll show you how to tell the difference. 

Hi sfall..the only preamp I'm looking at right now is the Rotel RSP 1582. I'm waiting for the new boards to be installed at the factory so its just a simple plug and play when I do pull the trigger. Is Rotel gear truly balanced from their preamps to power amps? The RSP 1582 has balanced XLR inputs on it as well. 

2007audioman

The Rotel RSP 1582 has XLR inputs and outputs but it's not really balanced unless you have very "noisy" environment I really don't think the XLR cable will make any difference. 

" The Rotel RSP 1582 has XLR inputs and outputs but it's not really balanced unless you have very "noisy" environment I really don't think the XLR cable will make any difference. "

Having a noisy environment doesn't determine if a component is balanced or not, but I think I know what you are trying to say. I've had several Rotel components over the years and they all had xlr connectors but were single ended. I was kind of surprised when I checked the specs on the 1582, because it looks like it is, in fact, truly balanced, but not fully balanced. I got this info from Rotel's website.

Input SensitivityLine Level Inputs (RCA): 250mVLine Level Inputs (XLR): 500mVPhono Input (MM): 3.2mV

Preout LevelUnbalanced (RCA): 1VBalanced (XLR): 2V

Input ImpedanceLine Level Inputs (RCA): 100kΩLine Level Inputs (XLR): 100kΩPhono Input (MM): 47kΩ

NOTE: Do not connect both the RCA and XLR to the same amplifier at the same time.

2 different specs for input sensitivity and output level, but none for input impedance, along with the note about the outputs, would suggest the 1582 balances the signal on the output.

2007audioman

It looks like the Rotel is truly balanced on the output. What that means is the signal is converted to balanced right before it gets sent to the amp. For a component to be fully balanced/differential, they have to double up on all the components in the signal path, and its very costly to do so. Even more so because its a HT preamp with a bunch of extra channels. Also, a component can't be run balanced and SE at the same time. There has to be some type of switch.

What all this means for you, is that you really don't need to be concerned with any of your source components. There should be no difference between rca and xlr. Going from your preamp to power amps, maybe. If you need to run long cables to your amps, you may hear a bit of improvement with balanced cables. (But only if your amps are truly or fully balanced as well). My personal view on this is you should buy the Rotel even though its not fully balanced. If I was looking for a HT preamp in that price range, I would buy it without hesitation.