Balanced XLR vs RCA for phono stage


My new BAT VK 3500 has balanced inputs, and my Goldnote PS-10 has 1 balanced output, rated at +12dB.

I have no clue what the pros and cons are for balanced XLR vs. single ended RCA, other than XLR is preferred for long runs.

I’m currently using a 1.5m Zavfino Fusion RCA cable. Is there any benefit in getting the exact same cable terminated with XLR?

Thanks!

macg19

In your case, having high quality RCA, I presume not having any existing problem, there is no advantage.

My limited XLR experiences:

I tried 30 lf run, no improvement, because I didn’t have a problem to solve, no interference potential/realities.

Short runs in home audio systems (no mics, mixers, eq ...), where no problem exists, make no logical sense regarding the XLR’s different design/interference resistance, yet I tried short 6’ XLR runs.

In one case (not all cases): two advantages, not sound quality improvements.

a. XLR are locking connectors, so movement of other cables will not inadvertently disturb XLR’s.

Note: I converted all my RCA’s to LOCKING connectors, that problem’s gone. However, heavy RCA cables, locked connector or not, can be a lot of weight pulling down on the less sturdy RCA jacks. One set of my rca jacks is beginning to feel less than solid, I will be taking the cover off, checking them out, to prevent real trouble.

b. XLR from my SACD player sends a slight increase in volume compared to it’s RCA output. Is it the cable, or is it the player’s output? In any case, use of XLR from that unit is yielding a slight volume increase.

Suppose you have a progressively noisy volume control like I had on a prior 60’s receiver (don’t go past 11), a slight increase of incoming volume might help keep the noisy volume control a bit lower/less noise.

... Short runs in home audio systems (no mics, mixers, eq ...), where no problem exists, make no logical sense ...

Many components that are differentially balanced yield 6 dB more gain in balanced configuration; or, you could see that as gaining 6 dB in s/n. So depending on the equipment, there can be very much to gain by using XLR connections.

@cleeds From the Goldnote manual: (Output specs) Unbalanced RCA @ 2V and balanced XLR @ 4V

The specs on their website show +12dB for the balanced output.

To your point, that seems like a lot of gain or s/n.

 

If the PH-10 is truly balanced AES48, not doubting it as Gold Note is a quality designer and builder. This really falls into the domain of a fellow like Mr Ralph @atmasphere as he has posted several times on this subject. 

 

jeffrey125

If the PH-10 is truly balanced AES48, not doubting it as Gold Note is a quality designer ...

Looking at the specs, it appears to be truly balanced, but not AES48 compliant. That's not especially uncommon.