Balanced XLR vs RCA for phono stage


My new BAT VK 3500 has balanced inputs, and my Goldnote PS-10 has 1 balanced output, rated at +12dB.

I have no clue what the pros and cons are for balanced XLR vs. single ended RCA, other than XLR is preferred for long runs.

I’m currently using a 1.5m Zavfino Fusion RCA cable. Is there any benefit in getting the exact same cable terminated with XLR?

Thanks!

macg19

Showing 3 responses by ditusa

@macg19 Wrote:

I have no clue what the pros and cons are for balanced XLR vs. single ended RCA, other than XLR is preferred for long runs.

See article below:

Mike

https://www.ranecommercial.com/kb_article.php?article=2107

@atmasphere Wrote:

This might be easier to understand if you think about a simple output transformer with only 2 output wires, driving pin 2 and pin 3 with no connection at all to pin 1 (which is chassis ground).

@cleeds,

The diagram below shows that!

Mike

The Absolute Best Right Way To Do It

The method specified by AES48 is to use balanced lines and tie the cable shield to the metal chassis (right where it enters the chassis) at both ends of the cable.

The absolute best way to wire audio cables

Figure 1a. The right way to do it.

@macg19 Wrote:

The middle diagram matches the Zavfino XLR cable so if BAT and Goldnote got it right too, I should be good.

Thanks for posting.

The diagram came from the article in my first post above.

@macg19 Wrote:

Another thought (rhetorical question)...given the benefits of XLR in pro audio over long distances, why would high-end home audio designers bother implementing XLR if there was no sonic benefit over relatively short distances?

See article below:

Mike

http://www.atma-sphere.com/en/resource-why-balanced.html