Audioquest Makenzie XLRs

@OP,
You can also PM Ralph Karsten (atmasphere), and get his take on this.
He knows the 'Balanced' standard and can give you the best route to take.
bob

Whoa...

We're mixing things up and (potentially) going to confuse the OP.

Quite simply, pins 2 and 3 are reversed on the pre-amp (w/ respect to what is normal in the US). In all reality, this should make absolutely no difference in what is "seen" by the amp, as the signal on pin 2 and 3 are, regardless of the "European method" or "USA type of PIN arrangement", a simple signal inversion IN THIS SITUATION. The suggestion to reverse the speaker cables is simply a hyper OCD suggestion (and is technically, not necessary). 

OP, you'd probably be better off if you ignored this thread, plugged-in some balanced XLR cables, and enjoyed the music.

Appreciate all input.  I am going to buy some XLRs and plug and play and will see how it turns out.

Although trying to sort out what is and what is not... but it occurred to me that I believe the pinouts are in fact the same. Yes opposite while looking at them on the back, but if you put the avp and amp back to back... same pin out. For some reason the orientation was messing with my head. So, apologies for not catching it sooner.

I agree with @nrenter, I would not go crazy on cables with your system. I’m also a fan of AQ cables. Solid performance and neutral sounding in my opinion. If you can get a great deal on the AQ Mackenzie cables (seems like a good price for $110), I’m sure they would work fine. Don’t over think it. Good luck!

Dustsailor...

What is better than AQ at the given price point. I don't have the means to drop $300-1000 per cable... 

So for 120-150 a pair... what mfgr is not snake oil?