How do I know cables are good, I purchased a cable tester from Amazon. Love it! Highly recommended piece of kit for tinkering audiophiles. See link.
Amazon : Behringer CT200 Microprocessor-Controlled 8-in-1 Cable Tester
Can a poorly connected XLR connection cause a reduced(less loud) signal?
Been chasing a gremlin. I have an XLR balanced connection between a ROSE HIFI 150b DAC/streamer and an Accuphase E-380 Integrated Amp.
I have noticed the left channel to be a bit quieter, less bright, and measuring a bit lower on the Accuphase’s DB meters. The problem has been intermittent. I feel like I may have solved it, albeit temporarily, by pushing the XLR farther into the connector on the ROSE HIFI. I had read on their forum site that those connectors could be problematic.
But the basis of my question is: Can a poor XLR/balanced connection result in a lower/softer sound?
I have experimented with switching the cable, and even bought a different cable, don’t believe it to be a cable issue.
Edit: yes, I know my post title is a grammatical nightmare.
How do I know cables are good, I purchased a cable tester from Amazon. Love it! Highly recommended piece of kit for tinkering audiophiles. See link. Amazon : Behringer CT200 Microprocessor-Controlled 8-in-1 Cable Tester |
Thanks @elliottbnewcombjr Yes, I have switched back to RCA, and things work as designed. It’s an “OK” solution, as I purchased and paid extra for, these two pieces so that I could connect them in balanced fashion. I’ve reached out to ROSE HIFI support, as the problem does appear to be on their end. Rather it be their electronics or connector. |
Thanks for all the responses. I have tried multiple new cables, but have also ordered a cable tester, and tomorrow will be able to know for sure about cable. I have seen other posts on the ROSE HIFI forum that these connectors could be problematic. I have entered a support ticket on that forum. Will let you know what I hear.
@elliottbnewcombjr was your issue on Rose HiFi gear, or something else? |
I think I have experienced this issue before. XLR's sometimes do not have a very robust grip. On suspect connections I have wrapped the XLR's with tape with extra length attached to top of amp to act a sort of "hoist" that pulls the connector upwards thus reducing sag. This is a commonly known technique for improving the connection of power cable plugs too. |