VAC Owners: Balanced or Single-Ended Cables???

Hi Richard:

As a rule of thumb, what do you consider to be the cut-off for "long runs?"

Based on your experience, do you feel that SE is the better choice for 5M or less?

Thanks.

5 Meters I would likely go balanced. 4 Meters it's questionable. 3 Meters likely SE. This of course would vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and environmental conditions. Low RF environments tend have less of a benefit with balanced than higher RF environments--so obviously this is just what I would consider reasonable starting points on average.

on this subject what brand of cable do you guys use between your VAC pre and amps??

I've used many, but seem to have become stuck on the KCI Silkworm, pure 24K gold and I haven't wanted to change them since I put them in. John at KCI is an absolute great guy to work with as well and offers an audition period. He, Kevin Hayes, and Don at DCCA are among my favorite people in audio...

Cables are very system and personal taste dependent, so YMMV...

I am currently using Audio Magic Illusion balanced. I have the same cable single ended as well so I can use the system either way. I would tend to agree with the previous posters comments. However, in my system I find the balanced connection offers a deeper more expansive soundstage, plus increased bass definition with more slam. I also have a PA100/100 amp that offers only single ended and I like it as well but for slightly different reasons. I have new speakers on order that are more tube friendly (ESP Bodhran SE) and I will find out what works best on that set-up. My current speakers require that I use the 8 db negative feedback on my PHI 110 and I am curious to see how the new speakers will react to less or no feedback.