XLR vs. RCA

TCiborow, the posts above are dead on. One thing strikes me though: Do you speak of running balanced or just using XLR connectors on your cables, which are used in a single ended fashon. If that would be the case, you would of course not have the benefit of reduced noise, if that (vide Albert's post) should be a problem at all. However, I find the Neutrix XLR's generally much better than the RCA plugs. Though difficult to clean, they give a fetter fit and cannot be unplugged incidentally. Some people maintain, that they also sound better with sweeter highs and less harshness. I'v never heard that myself, but then I did not specifically try. Curious about other opinions.....Regards,

sorry typo: better not fetter about the fit XLR plugs have.

Jeffloistarca, sounds like you are on the path to success, and done within a sensible budget. True 600 ohm balanced circuits are less likely to be affected by the interconnect connection than with single ended RCA circuits. That is not to say there is no difference. Ralph at Atmasphere has done some of this testing, and I have known him for many years. His products are true balanced and true 600 ohm, and his tests concluded that inexpensive cable worked as well, until you reach the very best wire, where you could achieve a big jump. His test conclusions (at that time) were the same as mine, that Purist Audio Dominus was indeed the exception to the rule, the same wire I run single ended.

Hi Detlof. Been following your comments on recent posts and wanted to tell you,I think your a class act. Nice work on the Musicality issue.
Just a notice for all of you on this thread to watch out for XLR/Balanced compatability between true balanced equipment. There was no international standard for pin 1,2 or3 on your plug. Try putting your Balanced Studer or Ampex machine on your Hi end preamp, hey your out of phase. I dont know if this has been corrected these days, with a standard. Needless to say this is extremely important.