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XLR or SE cable?

After reading the current posts relating to the volumne differences between XLR and SE cables and the recommendation of ARC (to use balanced) I find myself in a quandry as to an avenue of selection for a possibile change and could use some help. I have an ARC CD 3 Mk2 using with a Classe CAP 151 integrated amp. Currently I have them tied with SE Ridge Street Poeima ICs (1 mtr), I must add that listening is nicely relaxed and not fatiuging at all but, I was looking to warm up the presentation a little more and get a bit more bottom end extention as well. ARC recommends using balanced for optimum results (which I could do), after contenplating a change I was wondering if this would be the right route to go? Also after seeing the posting about volumne differences between using the two this additionally leaves me questioning it as well becuse I'm used to the settings I currently use for listening. I have settled on a new pair of ICs from Grover Huffman and before I invest I would like to make the right decision to do so and could use some advise as to XLR or SE being the better or best selection and benefits for optimation? Speakers are Apogee Slant 6s and I listen to soft rock, blues, new age, and jazz.
rsjm80
rsjm80 OP
207 posts
 
Herman, I checked the Classe manual and it states that "the Balanced input is a true differential high level input wired as follows: Pin 1 Ground, Pin 2 Positive (Non Inverted) Signal, Pin 3 Negitive (Inverted) Signal. It may be used with CD players that have a Balanced output, or any other high level balanced sources."
Lak, I kinda agree with you and have been confused by the recomendation from ARC that I have been missing getting the utmost from the CD 3 by NOT using Balanced ICs, I do know that Balanced ICs are supposed to have a lower noise floor but to change would I be spending money on diminishing returns? I've seen in the fourms prior that Balanced Ics are better for long runs especially when you are running longer than 1 mtr. I also am very comfortable with knowing where my volumne setting should be when I play my cds as well and additionally have been confused with the recent reporting in the foum of the output differences. So far both of your responces point to staying with SE cables though. Thank you both for your opinions so far, it does help me.
herman
2,267 posts
 
Just because the input is balanced doesn't mean that it isn't converted to SE at that point and remain SE throughout. The manual doesn't say so I have no idea which is correct, but it just seems strange to me that if the whole signal chain is balanced that they would only have SE output from the preamp.

I agree with the suggestion to just try it. Even if you buy expensive cables you can get them used for about 1/2 here and resell for the same if the experiment doesn't turn out for the better. That's 1/2 the fun anyway!
konis
13 posts
 
DEFINITLY GO SINGLE ENDED! They will sound more natural with better texture and decay. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
cpk
190 posts
 
a lot depends on the gear and what it was optimized for. Both my Ayre and Parasound gear sounds much better using balanced connections; the Ayre esp.

If ARC says that is how it will sound best I would go with that advice. A mfg. only wants its gear to perform well. It also sounds, from your description of the Classe's balanced input that it to will sound better run that way too.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
I owned that amp a few years ago and ran it both ways. Can't say I remember hearing a difference. That being said, you still ought to try it and see for yourself.
Shoot man, I have a set of balanced Mogami cables that are looking for work. Happy to lend them to you for your experiment.
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