2. cables
  3. 154086-137783

Seeking recommendations for DAC to amplifier balanced XLR cable

The amplifier is Musical Fidelity M6si and the new DAC is RME ADI-2 DAC FS, both great devices. At first I connected them with AQ Colorado 1m RCA. I happen to believe, however, that balanced cabling, which is possible between these two devices, has theoretical advantages over single-ended. I ordered Sommer Epilogue XLR cable from Germany, plugged it in yesterday and compared... Unfortunately AQ Colorado beats the newcomer. I have 2 choices: stay with AQ Colorado RCA (since it already plays great) or look for a better XLR cable. Any advice here is welcome! 
ghjuvanni
ghjuvanni OP
92 posts
 
Budget: around $500. Currently using Colorado RCA, but was hoping that balanced cabling can beat that Colorado. Sommer Epilogue doesn't. I look for detail, transparency, space. On some musical pieces, eg. electronic music, very sharply defined sounds are present. Colorado renders them; Sommer fuzzies them up.
soix
9,513 posts
 
Given what you’re looking for and budget I’d recommend used Acoustic Zen Silver Reference ll.  If they don’t provide a meaningful improvement you can sell them for little/no loss as the used market for AZ wires is pretty liquid.  Best of luck in finding what you’re looking for. 
ghjuvanni OP
92 posts
 
Acoustic Zen looks interesting but $840.
Nordost Frey, around $1,500.
Kinda steep ...
I was wondering if simply another Colorado or Mackenzie would do the job. $840 is a good chunk of the $1,100 I paid for the DAC itself. But if I can find used, I can try that.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@soix  makes solid recommendations...I'd give his suggestions weight.

I did a very quick look, around your budgeted amount. Not knowing the length of the cable you need...

There is a Nordost Hemidall 2 1M XLR. 

There is a Cardas Clear Reflection 0.5M XLR ... I had the Clear Reflections in my system...a solid cable...but surpassed by SR in my system / per my preferences.
ghjuvanni OP
92 posts
 
@soix @david_ten I need 1 meter, but can be less if I move the DAC closer to the amp. I trust your recommendations...
More to discover