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XLR or RCA?

Dear audiogon community,

It was recommended, in another post, that I try a difference IC cable. I was considering the audio quest columbia XLR. ( I am currently using xlr cable between by c2300 preamp and mc275 amp). However, I then read that xlr cables only provide a real benefit if you are using balanced cables throughout your entire system, which I presume means from my turntable into my preamp. Is this true? Because if it is, perhaps I should switch to RCA. That is, my tonearm cable ends with RCS cables. In fact, my pre-amp does not have xlr inputs for phono (though it has them for everything else).

I plead with you, the wise audition community, to lead me out of this mystery!
elegal
metralla
945 posts
 
02-23-14: Wolf_garcia writes:
Besides, Neutrik Speakons are made in Liechtenstein, which should be all you need to know.
I've done a lot of IT consulting in Liechtenstein and you are right. Workers there inherit holidays for both Switzerland and Austria and average 14 public holidays a year, and in addition, typically with the whole of August off.

A good life - and it's a very pretty place; but you really want to stay in Feldkirch, just across the border in Austria.

Regards,
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Other than locking, XLR does not have exposed pins (input side is always female). Touching end of RCA cable going to power amp can damage speakers. Power should be turned off, but mistakes happen, especially when people (audiophiles) keep plugging and unplugging things frequently.
ferrellms
12 posts
 
For long runs, rule of thumb being 50 feet, XLR will pick up less interference (less noisy), but in general there will be no real (measurable), as opposed to perceived, (subjective) difference. XLR is used by pros as it is can be used in long runs and is more reliable physically.
wolf_garcia
6,711 posts
 
XLR balanced low impedence cable signals can run 100s of feet with ZERO noise.
elegal OP
70 posts
 
Jmcgrogan2: please direct message me your address, and I will send you a sweet record.
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