2. amps-preamps
  3. 193328-198816

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

billpete
larsman's avatar
larsman
2,085 posts
 

Sometimes the output voltage is different between a SE and a balanced; I know it's that way with some DACs, like the Holo Audio May...  For whatever reason, a lot of tube headphone amps tend to be SE only. 

mulveling's avatar
mulveling
2,019 posts
 

I have never had any real complaints with RCA'a other than some that seem too tight, some too loose and having tried some cheap ones over the years, well, they were inferior in many ways, including audibly.

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 :) 

steakster
1,942 posts
 

Perhaps a different wording for the title: A truly balanced circuit (XLR) vs a single-ended circuit (RCA). A note.

markley
22 posts
 

I use  XLR for all my components which includes: amplifier, CD player and R2R.  I find a definite improvement to my system.  My amp, a McIntosh, has both XLR and RCA inputs from my preamp to my amp

billpete OP
53 posts
 

mulveling

The worst ones for me were Monster cable THX. Way too tight and the cable is probably just so so anyway. DIY Beldon wire with Neutrik connectors are my new favorites. They have a really nice fit, glide on and off with ease but not at all loose, the old Goldilocks test, seem just right. I don't do the DIY, I buy from a guy who does. They are not expensive but they seem to be very well made and so far, they sound good to me.The MIT cable on the VPI, has locking WBT RCA's that seem to be very good. 

More to discover