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XLR vs RCA

Hello! My name's Cody; I work for TARA Labs. Not here to promote anything, this is just a disclaimer.

It seems that the majority of termination requests we receive at TARA Labs are for balanced (XLR) lines. Personally, I use unbalanced (RCA) interconnects with my Cary system setup, which seems to work quite well. I would be interested in hearing other opinions regarding XLR vs RCA?

(Please note that I have posted this on a few forums. I am not spamming, but rather would like to hear a wider range of opinions. I will make an effort to respond to all appropriate posts.)
codytara
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"It seems that the majority of termination requests we receive at TARA Labs are for balanced (XLR) lines."

Are all of your cables balanced or are you just putting XLR connectors on single ended cables?
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,432 posts
 
Balanced cables offer better noise rejection, are locking and have pins protected from touching. On the other hand they require additional circuitry on both ends. I use balanced interconnect because my amplifier doesn't even have RCA input.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,256 posts
 
It's driven by what electronic you use. If they are truly balanced designs, then you're better off with balanced cables.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Welcome to Audiogon Codytara. Oh boy, are you ever in for a treat when Audiolabyrinth finds out that you are here! Get ready for a new BFF.

I agree with Onhwy61, it depends on what electronics you use. I've been down both roads, but I'm currently using RCA's.
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Welcome Codytara
I tried both Rca and Xlr (Nordost Frey) when I had a Meridian G08 for a source. I would say the sound stage was a little wider with the Xlr. But what I didn't care for was the output was louder with Xlr when the volume wasn't changed. For that reason I chose Rca and that was a good thing when I changed my source to a Naim Unitiserve and dac (no Xlr).

That said I did really like the fact the Xlr's lock in place
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