Balanced connection XLR microphone cables ?

I bought a pair of inexpensive balanced mike cables from Guitar Center to tide me over while I ordered some "proper" audiophile interconnects. To my surprise they sounded terrific and only cost me about $60.

Here is a not-so-true story.

I purchased some inexpensive XLR cables from a music store also. Plugged then in, and noticed a horrendous improvement in soundstage, imaging, focus, lower and upper frequency extension...and the tingling in my nose disappeared. I immediately sold all of my equipment. Then I purchased horrendously less expensive equipment. To conclude this tale, I then purchased horrendously expensive interconnects to improve my sound. Now I feel like I accomplished something.

Disclaimer...I'm being silly if you haven't guessed yet.

I'll add a couple of things to my previous post. B&H Photo Video is an excellent place from which to purchase pro-oriented xlr cables, online. I use a pair of Mogami Gold Studio's between my Bryston cdp and my Classe preamp, and I've been pleased with them (although I haven't made any direct comparisons with high-end audiophile-oriented cables).

There was a thread here a few months ago about using inexpensive pro-oriented cables instead of much more expensive audiophile-oriented ones. As might be expected, opinions differed widely.

Regards,
-- Al

If you believe what AtmaSphere says (and we all do) the balanced configuration of wiring renders the exotic characteristics of the wire unimportant, so there is no excuse for high priced balanced interconnects. My experience supports this view.

One warning though...There are microphone cables that are actually wired as single ended although the termination is XLR. Such cables can't be used with a mic that uses a phantom power supply (via the cable).

No matter what, you can't damage your electronics with a cable.

This afternoon,I plugged in the cables and played a few cds. I know there is an increase in pre-amp gain just by switching to balanced cabling but I did notice an improvement in the mid-range and treble clarity. The bass seemed to have more definition also. The best "double sawbuck" I ever spent on my stereo! I don't think I'll miss the deoxygenated, cryogenically frozen, neutrino treated, liquid metal, pure missle grade copper cables I almost bought. Disclaimer....... all in good fun... a good sense of humour keeps me sane. Mark