More on XLR vs RCA considerations?
Have read much about the differences between balanced vs unbalanced circuitry and the interconnects that go with it. The consensus seems to be "mostly" in favor of balanced when it is available. There are at least a few who seem to prefer unbalanced. Perhaps if the circuitry (caps etc.) becomes equal between the two, there is not much advantage to XLR? Not sure, myself. I like to have the option even though I've never used it, just makes me feel good, knowing it's there if I ever decide to use it. Long wire runs seems to be the main reason. Are there others? I heard, lowers noise floor with higher gain. OK.
I've never seen a Conrad Johnson amp or preamp with XLR connections. Maybe they exist, don't know but I've never seen it. CJ is certainly respected in the high end audio world. I'm just curious as to why they would never build with balanced circuitry. Any thoughts on why not? I'm just curious.
Bill
I switched en masse from Audioquest Columbia RCA to Audioquest Columbia XLR. In my system, XLR is quieter with absence of ground loops (I was able to get rid of a HumX on my cable modem). There was also more gain in my amp and preamp because of the removal of input circuit summing. XLR was Unquestionably better in my apples to apples comparison. |
Oh man, I HATE Cardas SRCAs and the absolute death-grip they apply to jacks. Here I think Audioquest did a pretty good job on their RCA plugs, though you better get used to the silver coatings getting black (is it really silver oxide, which is conductive, or silver tarnish, which is not?). These audio companies could use guys like me to actually use their products and complain about what they got wrong before a release :) |
Perhaps a different wording for the title: A truly balanced circuit (XLR) vs a single-ended circuit (RCA). A note. |
