2. cables
  3. 132316-17741

Suggestion on XLR Cables

I’m looking for a suggestion on reasonably price high-end XLR cables. By reasonable I mean <=$1k. I prefer pre-owned cables because I hate paying retail, especially for cables.

The rest of the system is

PS Audio DMP Transport
PS Audio DSD Dac
NAT Audio Magnetic Preamp
PS Audio BHK Stereo Amp
Wilson Audio Duettes
Synergistic Powercell 10 UEF Conditioner
Acoustic Revive RTP-2 Power Distributor
(2) Acoustic Revive R-777
3 Furutech Flux 50 Power Filters
Various Furutech Power Cables
Dueland XLR interconnects
Acoustic Revive Speaker Cable

Most of what I listen to is Jazz, Vocalists (Diana Krall, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald) or Pop/Rock (Eagles, James Taylor). Occasionally classical but then mostly solo piano.

Thanks in advance.





ihmeyers
marcyun
15 posts
 
Ah I see you already have Dueland XLRs. Anything in particular you’re looking for that they’re not giving you? On the higher end side, Audience Au24 SX is fantastic and could be a great match for your system, but likely out of your price range even used.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
...What are those mid to high end cables (RCA or XLR) made out of to warrant such premium prices (few hundred dollars per cable)?...

I think snake oil is a key ingredient.
initforthemusic
282 posts
 
I agree with marcyun that so far I've heard very little difference in XLR Cables unlike RCA's where there are significant differences. As mentioned for little money the Canare are good. For a bit more the Solid Silver or Silver Litz XLR's from Sunny Audio Shop on E-Bay allow a bit more micro, macro dynamics through.
oopwah's avatar
oopwah
20 posts
 
There are a pair of Audioquest Diamond XLRs on auction on Ebay now. I prefer any of Synergistic Research top cables the Apex, CTS. With the time of year now is the buying and selling time. Most any of the better known cable companies that have more time in the field of cables have also spent more R&D time, and will get you the results you are looking for.
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,610 posts
 
@bradluke0

Had a absolute top flight Ayon Preamplifier come through here a few years ago - it had balanced connectors on the back - but - a quick look inside - pin 3 had no termination :-) US standard has pin 3 as the inverted signal.

Balanced equipment either for home or professional use have several advantages and if executed properly will outperform a single ended system. Typically less noise, better transients and dynamics all things we strive for in music reproduction. If the system is balanced through out from cartridge or DAC (and here I mean the actual IC (BB1704K) or (ESS9018) for examples) to speaker the benefits of Fully Balanced design approach easily shine through.

Good Listening

Peter
More to discover