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If aftermarket premium power cords work, why won’t short runs of premium XLR cables work?

I have followed many threads, where people swear premium power cables greatly benefit your sound.  I haven’t decided, as the last time I tried a power cable was twenty years ago.  I used a Transparent power cord and was on the fence.  If adding a power cable improves the sound and it’s only the last few feet of your voltage source, what would make extending a premium XLR cable any different?  If I understand the argument, per se, the premium power cord acts as a filter.   XLR cables are mostly unsupcetable to outside interference.   I’m sure I will be versed here one way or the other.
handymann
handymann OP
383 posts
 
What I am saying, is if one needs a longer length XLR cable, do you think the signal is degraded by using a short high quality cable, with a longer mid grade extension?  I know power cords are carrying amperage and XLR cables are carrying smaller amounts of voltage, but does this question hold water?  I have stated before I'm using a couple of Transparent  Music Link Supers, with a couple of Hosa extensions.  I've tried using just the Transparents and can't hear any difference, after adding the extensions on to them.  Actually, the extensions are first, then the transparents.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Thanks for the clarification. Looks like Ralph interpreted the question correctly. In this case I suspect the answer is even less predictable than what he stated, because I doubt that anyone here has detailed knowledge of what is in the "network boxes" of the Transparent cables.

But if as you say you "can’t hear any difference, after adding the extensions on to them," that would seem to be the bottom line.

Regards,
-- Al
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,966 posts
 
Whatever boxes are on the cable is not really relevant (and FWIW, they don't really serve a purpose either).

If the equipment supports the balanced standard, then you can use extensions all you like. If the equipment does not, the results are less predictable, but in your case no difference is heard so the answer is 'you're good to go' :)
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atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,966 posts
 
In my experience, different XLR do sound very different. I had Kimber Hero, Cardas Parsec, and finally Kimber KS1116. Each a big jump in price, and a good step up in sound.  
If this was the case, then the associated gear didn't support the balanced standard.
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