15 ft XLR thoughts (BJC/Mogami etc)

I've tried a few long balanced cables over the past year between my preamp and amp. These were all DIY using high quality connectors (Cardas and DH Labs - plated high-purity copper conductors). My cable runs are about 16ft.

Belden 1800F - this is one of the cables that Blue Jeans Cable uses. Fairly neutral balance but lacking a bit in bass authority, image depth and clarity.  < $2/ft. Stranded copper with foam polyethylene. Tinned copper braided shield, PVC jacket.

DH Labs Pro Studio - this is my favorite in my system. Slightly more forward sounding than the Belden, but better in every way - stronger, more defined bass, much better imaging, more detail. $8 to $11/ft. Silver coated stranded OFC copper, foam PTFE insulation, braided silver coated shield. 

Connex The Natural - This cable sounds warmer and more laid back. Good bass, but not as detailed as the Pro Studio. If you're looking for a smoother sound, this might be worth a try. $6 to $8/ft. Tin-plated copper conductors with natural cotton insulation.  Conductors are stranded, but relatively few heavier gauge. Tinned copper shield with woven rayon/nylon jacket. 

As far as I know, the DH Labs and Connex cable are only available as bulk cable. The Belden you can get from BJC very cost effectively.

jetter,

you know what happens when you ASSume?

How many recordings flat out suck?

djones, not all $2200 XLRs sound good, and cheap ones are for those who cannot hear any difference, or who are just cheap by nature. Unfortunately, many recording engineers.

tweak1, you are being pretty insistent regarding your stand on the cable, have you tried a Canare L-4E6S Star Quad XLR or RCA cable?  I’m betting you would be very pleasantly surprised.