Disservice: XLR interconnects

...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....

This has been my experience. 

I moved from some random XLR cables that I got from Amazon to the Dealer bought Cardas XLRs. And I am just kicking myself for not having done it sooner..

That's cool! I know some advocate that the balanced standard removes audible differences between cables, but I've definitely heard differences upgrading through several XLR cables on my amps. No cheapie cables here, anymore or ever again :) 

@bdp24 Gear that adheres to the AES48 standard do have some audible sonic differences with various types of XLR's. The thing is if you are not too anal about it you can get 95% there with much lower cost pro cables. Even for those small differences someone may chose the lower cost cable based on sound preference alone. However. I am all for people spending money on audio gear and finding happiness.

I am rocking cheap 15 foot Benchmark XLR between my Benchmark LA4 preamp and 2 Benchmark AHB2 monos. They are AES48 compliant. I have tried 'better' consumer XLRs on these 2 and I could not hear a worthwhile difference.

With other non-AES48 compliant gear I have found 'better' cables to be preferred by me. Such as non-Benchmark sources to my Benchmark LA4 pre-amp I use Audience AU 24 SE XLRs over Benchmark XLRs

@rman9 whenever you are ready to try some power cords on your amplifier make sure the Audioquest high-current are on your list.
AQ Tornado is really good and Hurricane is even better. Probably two of the best power cords I ever tried on my amp. 
 

@yyzsantabarbara I was running a 15ft long Mogami Gold Studio XLRs from pre to amp for a month or so but just moved all components closer together simply because my Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper XLRs are just much better. Depends what you’re comparing, what type of sonic compromises you’re willing to live with and for how long. That’s been my experience. 

@juanmanuelfangioii 

I think there is a forum for those folks but the name escapes me. 

ASR - Audio Science Review. That’ll be one of ‘em. And it comes with a YouTube channel for those who feel great about using their old RCAs that were supplied with their VCR because Amir measured them and said they conduct electrical signal just as good as anything out there. Speaking of disservice to the audiophile community that’s our case in point.