Balanced versus single ended

I second Ralph's (Atmasphere)'s post.

You need equipment that supports the AES standard in order to compare balanced to RCA.-Otherwise, it is a crapshoot.

Utilizing the AES 48 standard should eliminate the effect of cables affecting sound quality.

FWIW, when I bought my Atma equipment, Ralph supplied me with a 25 foot length of XLR interconnect to go between preamp and amp (Mogami?) at a very low price. When I had an itch to scratch, I called my dealer who sold me some AQ Yukon to replace it. Long story short, I didn't notice a significant difference between the two cables. So, for me, using XLR with equipment that supports the AES standard, you don't have to pay an exorbitant price. If you use RCA, you might have to cycle through a number of cables in order to find one that sync's with your equipment-esp. if it doesn't support the AES standard.

I hope this makes sense. 

Bob

@atmasphere ,

I have tried, like you, to educate those on this forum for years. In fact, it is your knowledge that has guided me.

So, l want to give one last clarification on the RCA/XLR conundrum:

If your equipment supports the AES Standard, then whatever cable you use should not impart a significant sound quality difference.

If you use equipment not supporting the AES Standard or use RCA (unbalanced) cables, then you may/may not find significant differences in sound quality in using different cables.

FWIW, my dealer suggested some AQ Balanced wire to be an upgrade to the wire Atmasphere sold me for his equipment (25 ft length). Long story short, I noticed no significant difference in sound quality between the two cables. They both sounded good, but given the price difference, I would buy Ralph’s cables.

Audiogon members come here to find information. Hopefully, based on experience and fact.

Though I haven’t been here very long, I have found the advice/information Atmasphere has given to be sound and based in fact. It is the reason I ended up buying his equipment. (And, given his ability to produce quality equipment, I probably will be getting his Class D monoblocks in the near future.

Bob

Oh, you boys! (-sounding like mother Bailey in 'It's a Wonderful Life')

B

@charles1dad ,

As I posted at the beginning, I bought the Mogami XLR cable from Ralph when I bought his amp and preamp. I then bought some AQ cable on the recommendation of my dealer ( which cost more, by the way).

To be honest, I could hear no significant difference in sound reproduction. My only recourse is to try a higher level of AQ cable, but that costs way more and I don't want to spend that much on an experiment (-though it would be good to know and finally dispel the notion that XLR cables DO sound different in equipment supporting the AES48 standard).

Bob