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XLR (Balanced) interconnect cable question

Hi,
Right now I'm using XLR cables between my Parasound amplifier and processor based on Canare L-4E6S cabling. Since I'm upgrading my processor to a much higher level (Marantz AV8805 to Lyngdorf MP-60) I'm looking to upgrade my cabling also. Don't want to go crazy. Here are my options:- Wireworld Equinox 8 XLR- Cullen Cable Copper Series XLR Interconnects:  Interconnect Features:
  • Super Flexible 8mm PVC Outer Jacket
  • 98% Shield constructed of 99.9% Pure OFC copper wire with drain wire which will eliminate EFI and RF
  • 18 awg 99.99% Pure OFC Copper Conductors
  • Teflon dielectric which provides an extremely high signal transfer and accurate sound quality
  • Covered with black Techflex sleeving
  • Made in the USA with professional grade materials
  Connectors:

 XLR’s Nuetrik X series with 24K gold plated Pins

- Schmitt Custom Audio cable WE Balanced XLR Black Gold InterconnectsSchmitt Custom Audio Western Electric 3 pin Balanced XLR Interconnects are built with vintage 24 gauge solid core copper Western Electric wire covered with silk cloth from the 1940's and 1950's era. Each strand is covered with black, platinum and red sleeves, then loosely braided and soldered to Neutrik 3 pin males and female connectors with black shells and 24kt gold plated pins.
The Wireworld cable is well reviewed, however the Schmitt cable uses the Western Electric vintage wire (also well reviewed). Cullen Cable is know for good, affordable products.
Any thoughts? Thank you.

128x128mhaanraadts
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,441 posts
 
You get the best results from balanced interconnects by connecting them to differentially balanced components.....otherwise, you're spinning your wheels
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 

XLR cables are differential. In a simplistic explanation, since any noise on one cable also manifests itself almost exactly the same on the other cable, and the receiver works on the DIFFERENCE of these signals, the noise, however bad it may be, will be cancelled at the receiving device.

So spending a lot more will NOT make much a difference, unless your original cables were really really bad.

bewgow
65 posts
 
You just bought a 12k component and you are going to use a $200 cable. It is like buying Porsche and putting the cheap tires on it. How do you think the car is going to perform?
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,492 posts
 
Yes, don't waste your money. Use the interconnects you have now. If you have to have better looking ones get Neutric gold XLRs and cable casing and install those on the wire you have now. Canare makes excellent cable.
mitch2
3,914 posts
 
Go ahead and try other cables because, if you don't, you will always wonder - what if?  However, when listening be really honest with yourself - do the other cables truly sound better than your Canare L-4E6S cabling or maybe just slightly different.  You are going to want the new cables to sound better, you are going to want the more expensive cables to sound better, you are going to want the fancy looking cables to sound better....this is typical expectation bias and one reason cable sales continue to be strong - everyone wants the silver bullet that will make their system sound great and if that bullet costs less than a new component or set of speakers then all the better.   If the other cables you try truly sound better to you, then great, there is your answer.  Just do your best to get past your bias when evaluating.  The home audio industry has made a lot of money by convincing audiophiles that a cable (or fuse, or footer, etc.) can be the one thing holding them back from hearing great sound.
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