Disservice: XLR interconnects

Cables matter

Did you move from RCA to XLR? A balanced component like the HiFi Rose will output double the voltage on XLR, usually while keeping noise floor the same. So that’s a huge advantage (and +6dB level boost), among other balanced drive advantages (common mode noise rejection). Quality cables definitely matter, but a lot of what you’re hearing there is probably due is the move from RCA to XLR.

Not all components sound better from the XLR outputs / inputs versus RCA. There’s a lot of variables. But it is quite often the case.

I learned in the eighties that interconnects matter when I went from the cheapie IC’s that came with components to Monster. I paid $112 a pair for them and was blown away! I ended up getting two more pair later!

Congradulations.

Sounds to me as if you are endorsing high end cables… not specifically XLR. For the most part my experience has been that what usually counts is the quality of the interconnect more than whether they are single ended vs XLR. I recognize there are exceptions to this generality… in both directions.

@audphile1  +1

Yes, I also recommend trying a power cord… specifically for your amp… one designed for an amp. Some folks experience an even bigger difference with the power cord versus interconnect.

Always believed that cables mattered.  However.......

I was convinced, mostly by others, that quality RCA was as good as XLR for shorter runs, the benefits of XLR only revealed by long runs.  Purchased Mogami medium quality XLRs to run between ATC preamp and ATC powered floor standers replacing the Wire World Eclipse 8 Silver RCAs.  

Hold the phone!  Advice given was obviously wrong.  Sent the World World back for re-termination and reinserted.  Now it's all way better.  Detail, dynamics, sound stage, attack.

I can be wrong and that's okay.  Enjoy your XLR adventure.