Which Audioquest XLR?

Timrhu...you're insane and have no idea what you're talking about...uh...wait...you agree with me?...uh...nevermind...Timrhu, you are wise and possibly good looking.

Yes, I am one good looking dude.

The AQ Diamond Back and King Cobra have same design with the KC using higher grade copper. Both now sold new highly discounted, and quite available on the used market. Both offer good SC for the $$$.

I use KIng Cobras from my phono preamp to the preamp. Like 'em.

By using a cable with the packs on you will get a much lower noise floor. I've done this in the store using the non battery pack cable with the next up in the line that uses them...I've heard them on their speaker cables as well as balance and RCA. I've also done this with their USB cables and it was a bigger sound stage and much lower noise floor...There is a huge difference between the models if you are using a high resolution system. JMHO