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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
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,413 posts
 
Yes, XLR is more resistant to noise. Shielding plays bigger role in RCA since XLR has inherent noise rejection by usage of twisted pair. Materials still plays role (capacitance, dielectric absorption, metal purity etc.)

On the other hand XLR often requires additional stage to "make" inverted signal. In electrically quiet place RCA can sound better IMHO (but I still like locking connectors). It is also application depended, as you stated. XLR has shield grounded on both ends creating possibility of ground loops in some systems. Also XLR is most likely more expensive - why to spend extra money if you cannot hear the difference?
rja's avatar
rja
2,358 posts
 
My suggestion to OP is not very technical although I'm sure much of what has been said above is correct.

Borrow two sets of the same cable from The Cable Company, one XLR and one RCA. Listen to both and decide which sounds best to you.
budburma
345 posts
 
Longer runs of IC's should use XLR. The influences of shielding, insulation, etc. is completely dependent on the entirety of the cable design. In the end, if your IC length is 2m or less, try them both and see what you like. Also, if you are looking to really hear what advantage balance cabling might offer, your system needs to have balanced circuitry stem to stern. Otherwise, as you understand and accept, there is no substitute for listening and finding what you like, so have at it! And don't forget to enjoy the tunes along the way.
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