XLRs vs RCAs

Lost failed to live up to his name and is totally correct. In many cases RCA wires will sound better that balanced because in designs that are not really balanced, there is just an op-amp at the output of the component generating the balanced output. Thus you are just adding more circuitry to the signal path if that is the case. However a component like those in the Pass X series that has been designed as a balanced component can make much better use of the balanced signal.

Jc, thanks for asking the question. Lost & Nhorton-- you guys make the best case I've heard for going "fully balanced"-- need to get my ICs reterminated though. Thanks, and Cheers. Craig.

OK THIS IS JUST LIKE THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION LOTS OF OPINIONS AND NOBODY AGREEING. MAYBE A GOOD TOPIC ON THIS ONE SHOULD BE "LOST". HOW ABOUT BALANCED XLR COST A LOT MORE MONEY FOR A DIMINISHING RETURN!

PEOPLE it depends on the equipment. On how its designed, wither the circuitry is designed balanced or not. For example even thougth Spectral has balanced out. Every notice why all dealers use RCA? Because its designed for single ended. They just provided the XLR because uninformed people out there automatically assume that if it doesn't have XLR its not good. Look at Conrad-Johnson. They ONLY have single ended even in their $15,000 Art preamp. And it still sounds damn good. Some big name brands like Audio Research, Krell (bright and sucks) and Mark Levinson (boring and not worth the price) sound better balanced. If your components do or not depends on your equipment. Ask your dealer.