Running balanced. Difference between XLR vs. RCA.


Would like to know the difference, if any, in running an amplifier, or preamp, in a balanced mode with XLR connectors or running balanced with RCA connectors. Is there any benefitial difference between the two if the runs are kept at 1 meter. I have an amp and preamp that can run balanced with either.
joysjane
In my experience it depends on the quality of the interconnect, the system components and your tonal balance preferences. You may perceive a significant difference or almost none at all. I've seen situations where the difference was remarkable, but sometimes only a trade off.

There is no way to know what will work best without some trial and error. It falls into the same category as trying to suggest the "perfect" brand of interconnect, single ended OR balanced.

For example, I auditioned an Audio Research DAC running balanced into an Elliott EASE preamp. I got a much grainer, flat sound stage with generally poorer overall performance than with the single ended. In both trials I used the same brand and quality level interconnects.

In extended testing with the Aesthetix Io phono and Callisto preamp, the results reversed. The same brands of interconnects were used for both tests, with the balanced providing wider bandwidth and greater dynamics over the single ended.

To make matters worse, some components that have XLR connections are not truly balanced circuits. In this case, the extra parts for a balanced connection only add links to the chain without any advantages that a true balanced design might provide.
I've a/b compared XLR v RCA with my SCD-1 to my pre and agree with Albertporters second last paragraph where I too noticed a greater bandwidth and especially better dynamics over the single-ended connections.

However, I disagree with Albert's last paragraph in that I noticed these improvements in my system in which no component I own is truly balanced. Yet I received those same benefits using XLR/balanced outs and ins.

XLR connections typically employ a 2volt increase over single-ended outputs. So the XLR signal is usually 4 volt where the single-ended is usually 2 volt. That additional 2volts can really add a lot of dynamics (live bite) to what could be an otherwise 'boring' presentation.

-IMO
There is a Catch 22 with balanced cables:

Balanced cables reject external common mode noise, which decreases the chances of that annoying electrical hum;

Balanced cables bond equipment with a ground wire creating another ground path, which increases the chances of that annoying electrical hum.

There are benefits of one to another - both ways. Try each one, the best RCA's and XLR's you can afford. That's the only sure way to answer your question.
My 2 cents... I replaced all my single-ended interconnects with the same brand of balanced, Tara Air-2, and the result was a more musical, less technical presentation. The sound was much more open. I agree that it is system dependent, so the best advice is to try it.
Gs, balanced pro equipment offer a ground lift switch on back to break such ground loops if necessary. Or you can just wire the connector as such.

Also, a balanced input stage in an otherwise un-balanced design will offer all the benifits of balanced input. Why do I people always repeat that? Its just as if there were a transformer input converting a balanced input to single ended, all the common mode is reduced just the same. Is there something else you mean?

steve