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Should I explore balanced cables to connect my amp to dac?

Hi there
I just bought demos of Ayre AX5 Twenty and Cambridge Audio NX; I'll be using the CA unit as the DAC.
Both components support balanced connections.
As I understand, balanced cables provide their benefit when I have long runs; in my case the two components will literally be next to each other (so the cable will be 1m or less.
In this case does a balanced cable help and if it does, can someone suggest a good starting point under $200?  Some guidance on what kind of situations I'm likely to notice an improvement would also be appreciated.

deone
tweak1
3,655 posts
 
There's a HUGE difference between 'support' XLR and being true balanced components. I have pulled my hair out over the decades when magazine reviewers   would put a true balanced component into their non true balanced system, then use XLR cables and proclaim they couldn't hear any difference

IMHO, true high-end doesn't begin until all components are true balanced

hth
deone OP
35 posts
 
Thanks mike_in_nc and tweak1 for the advice.
tweak1: any cable recommendations from you?
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,591 posts
 
Balanced cables are for noise (mostly RF) control. If your location does not have noticeble and/or irritating noise, don't worry about the extra expense.
williewonka
3,075 posts
 
I prefer single ended cables for my audio, mainly because my Bryston B135 integrated does not support XLR.

For the distance you indicate I would stick with Single ended

But you could try this one from Amazon -  just to compare.

NEAT Beeline XLR Quad Conductor Microphone Cable: Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio

See which one works best

Single ended designs get up there in price, so sometimes DIY solutions can ease that pain i.e. if you are handy with a soldering iron

Regards - Steve


oldears
386 posts
 
Your best resource is the Ayre owners manual. You can also search for "pints with Ayre" to listen why Ayre does balanced electronics. +1 on advice from mike-in-nc. (I cannot find Cambridge Audio NX.)
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