All things being equal (hypothetical) which do you prefer, XLR or RCA?


Hello All,

Just curious here. All things being equal would you go balanced or unbalanced if you have the option for both? I only ask because I've never really compared-though I have gone both routes at different times. I have gone the balanced route now (power amp to pre, and DAC to pre), but wonder which route you all would choose...Just curious and having some fun...
kingbr

Showing 2 responses by testpilot

Not so hypothetical as some companies offer both rca and xlr connections on single ended only equipment for purely convenience sake. In these situations, I prefer xlr for their more secure connection and strain relief.
In most posts, people are describing their preference between a dual differential balanced circuit and a single end circuit. If you compare a xlr cable with pin 1 and 3 tied together with a rca cable of the same make in a single ended circuit, they should sound identical.