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Balanced XLR cables

I am purchasing a preamp with balanced xlr connections.  some of my other gear has xlr terminals but never used them for lack of source input until now with the preamp.  is there a big difference in xlr's?  not trying to start a cable war discussion, just dont want to spend an arm / leg. is $50 for a 3 ft cable on the cheap side?  i havr always found Mogami cables good value.  recommendations please
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fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,600 posts
 
Mogami quad cables are balanced only ruined by how you wire them.
mike_in_nc
1,147 posts
 
You can get (balanced) cables made to order, using Mogami W2549 and gold Neutrik XLRs, by many pro audio shops. This is NOT expensive, certainly not by audiophile standards. I have had very good service from ProAudioLA.

Because of the length of interconnects in my system (25 ft), it’s been difficult to compare to many other cables. Another Mogami cable (W2534) and Gotham GAC-4/1 sounded very similar to W2549, with W2549 the most open by just a hair. A well-known audiophile brand costing 15x as much was superior in no way and was noticeably colored in the treble.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,600 posts
 
I prefer VaDamme XKE balanced cable.
designcable lists 12 colors and 18 sizes.
Or go all custom.
https://www.designacable.com/van-damme-mic-cable-neutrik-xlr-xlr-cables-balanced-microphone-patch-le...
gillsysb
57 posts
 

 I compared single ended premium cables against $60 balanced cables. I preferred the balanced cables. The difference was subtle, but noticeable. Pre, power, and cd were all "fully balanced".

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I will have to disagree on one aspec of atmosphere’s discussion:

The balanced line system was created to get rid of interconnect cable colorations. It works really well!

I have tested many different XLR cables and they all will contribute a certain sonic signature based on the wire and terminations used.  Just like any other cable.

 

 

 

 

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