2. cables
  3. 1395582351

Need help RCA Interconnects but new Balanced Gear

Please I could really use some ideas and opinions please. I have really nice RCA Interconnects that I love (2 sets - DAC to Pre and Pre to Amp) but my new my new components offer XLR Balanced operation. I have the ability to use the RCA option that I am doing now on them but my pre is fully deferential balanced and is made to be used in balanced and they say it works much - much - much better in XLR Balanced mode. I love my RCA interconnects and they are the best I have ever owned. Darwin Ascension RCA's which are incredible but the XLR Version is $800 a pair and I just can't afford to just buy the XLR versions. My question is could I buy XLR adaptors to use on each end of my RCA cables and make them into a poor mans XLR
balanced versions and gain the sonic benefits of XLR balanced operation and stick with my beloved RCA Darwin cables less the sonic trade off loss caused by the XLR adaptors of course or will there be no benefit because there is more to XLR balanced operation from the cable standpoint than just the terminations and would I just be spinning my wheels . Is it worth it to try from a technical standpoint do you think? I just don't know enough about it and google didn't help me. My equipment is Ayre QB-9 DAC and my new pre is a JE Audio VL19 Balanced Pre using the 6h30pi super tube and my amps are Manley Snapper Monos and my Speakers not that they matter here are Martinlogan Spire. Please an feedback will be really appreciated please because I am not sure what to do and don't want to waste money until I know a little bit more info. Thanks very much for the time this will really help me :)
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xfsmithjack
rsimms
150 posts
 
I also have a fully balanced tube preamp (Calypso). I use the RCA preamp outputs to my amps as it preserves the tube character of my preamp. As said in other thread, the balanced outputs remove the even harmonics of the tubes which make the sound more flat and less tube like. For the input, the sound of the RCA and XLR is closer and it is not as clear cut. What I would recommend is that you buy some cheap balanced cables and try them on the inputs and outputs. Listen to the difference between them and your fine RCA cables. You should be able to tell if you like XLR on outputs and inputs with your own ears. After that you can decide if spending the money for one or more sets of fine XLR cables are worth your effort.

Bob
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,405 posts
 
I will second the suggestion of Mogami Golds. Great cables-
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
I'd recommend the Canare L-4E6S from Bluejeans Cable, in addition they are an excellent company to work with.

Blue Jeans Cable

Good Listening

Peter
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,405 posts
 
If Peter recommends it, you can bank on that recommendation!
karmakarma
22 posts
 
Great discussion folks. Hope I am not too late to the party. Tony from Darwin Cables, here. Almarg is correct that Balanced and Unbalanced are by their very nature different animals. I take a lead role in voicing Darwin Cables and have specific reference systems set up for unbalanced and balanced cables. I have even tested a few RCA to XLR adapters. I can explain in great detail the attributes of each. Fsmithjack, feel free to call us or message me. Ours is a very low key, personal approach and we look for every opportunity reward our many repeat customers. We do a good deal of R&D and often have prototypes and demo cables as well as sales we advertise on this website. Thanks!
More to discover