I like the positive lock of XLR connectors
I never heard a quality difference, and I never had an interference issue, or long runs: however I did get more quantity, i.e. slightly stronger signal out of XLR opposed to same unit’s RCA outs (not always).
You might get both the locking feature and stronger signal advantage using an adapter to use XLR out of a unit to go to a unit without XLR in, they come in all kinds. Of course cables with xlr/rca/variations exist, adapters let you use an existing cable.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=xlr+adapter&crid=2PWKIC6WCC7VJ&sprefix=xlr+adapter%2Caps%2C119&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
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I have an Audio Research Reference 6 preamp, I used to have a Pass x350 amp... and my speakers used to be Apogee ribbons.
When I got my new Audio Research equipment (Preamp, DAC... and before amp) I had Transparent single ended interconnects (after choosing from half a dozen brands). So I bought a single Transparent balanced pair of interconnects and compared them. I couldn’t tell the difference. I attributed this to Audio Research putting the R&D time into converting to single ended from the internal component topology) I did not spend a couple weeks carefully listening... it was a fairly quick comparison. But any difference was small. I am sure if I spent a couple weeks I could find some subtle differences. But typically XLR can be up to twice as expensive. I finally replaced them all with XLR just to be safe... since the audio world is going that way. If I couldn’t have afforded it I would put a premium on the quality of the interconnect over the kind of connection.
On the brand. I recommend Transparent. They are exactly that. For Audio Research and Pass equipment that is what you want. I don’t know of any brand as neutral and quiet. I have tried many. If your equipment isn’t up for them then that can be a problem. But your ARC and Pass is. Transparent has decades of research and each generation has achieved better and more transparent / reduction in noise. This is why for instance, there is a known synergy between Sonus Faber, Audio Research, and Transparent.
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What specific improvements are you looking for? Without that critical info this is just a total crapshoot.
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Don't toss your RCA's. Sometimes and in certain positions lower voltage is called for.
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Honestly I don’t think you’re going to hear a difference between RCA’s or balanced other than the fact that the balance are going to sound a bit louder without increasing the volume. If you were going to try balanced, I would recommend from the selections you listed above the following;
Zavfino Arcadia
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I'll echo what others have said, it really depends on your gear and how it is implemented. I don't think XLR is inherently better than RCA in most cases. Unless you need a really long cable run which is where XLR is clearly better. But most people don't need anything like that.
You need to know if your DAC is truly balanced or not, and same with your preamp. Otherwise there is conversion involved which can be done well or poorly depending on the design.
I've been enjoying the Veritas Cables Argentum R for a while, which is a silver RCA design. Recently I picked up the Argentum X which they say is a very similar design but in balanced form. In one of my systems I can't tell the difference when I switch between them. But in a different headphone based setup the XLR interconnects are much more enjoyable. I don't think that is related to this particular cable design, it's just that the DAC and headphone amp do best when operated fully balanced.
If you do decide to try out a set of XLRs, make sure to buy something you can return if you don't like or hear a big enough improvement. I can vouch for Triode having a good policy like that, not sure about the others you mentioned.
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Be very wary of XLR<->RCA conversion. XLR to RCA is often "ignore pin 3". RCA to XLR is often Live to pin2, Signal Ground to pin 1, GROUND PIN 3. Thus the rest of your amplification is single ended as a balanced input signal bypasses the phase splitter!
XLR's true advantage is in eliminating common mode noise - the idea is that any noise from the environment affects the signal conductors equally and so cancel out. Hence being ubiquitous for microphone cables where the signal is very small.
You can always try stiff from The Cable Company Library.
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@salc
IMO, your targeted cables are not commensurate with the high level gear you have. If I was a smart guy I guess I would have long ago tasted the quality cables I am now getting to. For a painful journey see my systems page.
I suggest Wywires Diamond, Snake River Signature, and Inakustic Air to match the level of your components. Buy used, take your time.
I’m so glad I have balanced components. Reduced my system noise considerably. Best of luck to you and good listening.
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Agree with retiredaudioguy. It is not a matter of opinion, if equipment is implemented properly, XLR is always potentially better. It just depends if you are able to realize the benefit with your particular environment.
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I'm assuming the ARC & Pass are both fully balanced circuits.
If you live in the middle of Manhattan with 100 different wifi networks within a stones throw of your audio system, XLR should definitely be both quieter noise-wise and louder signal-wise. Win-win
If your system is in the middle of your 40 acre spread in South Dakota, you'll still get the signal boost, but any further gains are less likely.
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@salc
In my 30 experience, XLR is always better!!! You just can't go wrong by going with XLR throughout your entire system. Also, get the very best XLR you can afford, and you'll never return to RCA. Happy listening.
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There's no objective difference between XLR and RCA cables except for the locking feature that has zero to do with sound. Zero. . Also, your equipment doesn't care what "quality" (price) the cables are. The signals will transmit just as well vis Blue Jeans cables as it does via Crystal Cables. Don't fall for the expectation biased hype.
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XLR on mics only, unless the bit of gear is only XLR.....
Then I gender bend to RCA.
Keeps that level of complication down....MHO. 🤷♂️
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+1 @ghdprentice
I originally was using mostly Audioquest and switched my system over to Transparent when I purchased my ARC Ref6SE and Ref160S. Transparent is a game changer. I highly recommend XLR wherever possible. To me, it was a significant improvement in SQ.
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XLR if used with adaptors gains - nothing XLR will get 50% more gain ,
if everything is truly balanced then it is noticeably quieter, even using for short runs you maynot hear any difference but on output volume .
every audio system is different ,if not true balanced then you maynot hear any improvement, check each piece of gear before spending more $$ monies.
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I just bought XLR from Pinetree Audio They have three levels of quality Everything I've purchased from them in the past has been outstanding quality for the price paided
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If you are looking at other brands of cables I agree 100% with what @v-fi said, try the Veritas Cables Argentum R (RCA) or Argentum X (Balanced).
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@salc
What don't you like about the Kubala Sosna Fascination interconnects? Do you have fascination speaker cables? I have been considering these. Thanks..
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Another voice in cyberspace that can’t hear a difference but if your equipment has XLR, then why not use it? Click.
There’s a lot of excellent brands and if one was truly the best, then we would all know it.
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The Kubula's are $1250, it would be surprising if any much lower priced interconnects such as the $188 Arcadia's on your list would be better than them, even if your pre "might" prefer an XLR cable, but ghdprentice allegedly debunked that theory above. You never complained about the sound you are getting, but you could first just try the fascinations in XLR and compare yourself- The Music Room has them and if you notice no difference send them back for credit.
But if you wanted to try Zavfino I would suggest try their next up level cables: Fusion. They are on sale at less than half of what the Fascinations are.
Or try those highly regarded Veritas many are recommending?
Of all those cables in your list I only have heard the Triode Wire Labs, an XLR set are currently lying on my floor unused, too polite for my tastes. I do have several Zavfino Silver Dart power cords- darn good for the money.
No words from us are going to let you know which you will prefer, but let us know the outcome.
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I like the positive lock of XLR connectors
I have had XLR's for years and years, and I only just had to purchase an RCA set for the Coincident Frankenstein 300b amp I just got.
I now prefer the tightness of the RCA over the XLR connection- It always bothered me how XLR's seem loose fitting- I can still wiggle them in their sockets, even though they are "clicked-in". And in some cables the male end of the XLR does not even have a slot to click in, like the Neutrik's on my Nordost Tyr2's, so they are much looser than most RCA's.
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In my experience, a reputable dealer will often let you try different cables so you can determine sonic preferences for yourself. Yes, there are some known synergies. I had a slew of different "high end" cables in the house that I owned when I began building the core of my current main system in around 2006. I found the Kubala-S Emotion- which I think was their top of the line at the time to "gel" with my system and Joe Kubala visited-- he made a custom loom for my Avantgarde Duos. I use XLR even on the Lamm SETs which are not balanced and eventually upgraded the interconnect between the phono stage to line stage to the "Elation." These cables do have a synergy with my particular gear- which is all tube based with horns (except the mid bass woofers and additional subs)
When an XLR connection failed, Joe reterminated the cable for me. I encourage you to hear and compare. I did and haven't changed much of anything cable wise for years. I do like the robust connection of XLR, but would not use adapters unless absolutely necessary and then, only temporarily.
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Thank you for all your comments. Regarding the Kubala Fascination RCA IC and speaker cables. When I purchased the Magges a will back at the time I compared the Kubala to Nordost cables and another pair that I don't remember. At the time the Maggies were not broken in so they were very bright with the Nordost. YOu may know that Maggies can take a year to break in which I wasn't aware of at the time. The Kubala had a overall good balance and tamed the brightness so I purchased them. IMO and my system they are probably titled to the warmer side. I can't say I'm disappointed with them. I've always liked the fullness of tube sound and todays products have brought the warmth of tubes and digital a lot closer. Over time I've moved to all balanced electronics so reason for considered balanced, and also they are recommended by ARC if noise is present, but Pass didn't feel there would be any difference. I will check with Kubala on the Fascination XLR for a direct comparison..
So I'm considering lower cost cables since a friend let me try the Kubala Elation XLR (very expensive) between the DAC and the preamp, and I had a cheap pair of Cardas between the Preamp and amp. The difference was subtle with a more relaxed presentation not necessarily better, and probably not a fair comparison. the Cardas may have negated the benefit of the Elation. The major difference in that combination was the gain across the preamp, not that it was needed but present. I do live in the northeast and definitely in the evening the system sounds much better, cleaner and happy with the current set up. So curiosity about any noise that may be present and trying XLR.
At the end of the day in this hobby, always curiously looking to see if there is more in resolution, transparency, without sacrificing weight/fullness of that mid range magic at a reasonable cost. thanks again.
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@salc for less critical balanced conn I use Gustard XLR cables, featured w/ Neutrik terminations and sufficient quality cable. for critical interconnects Accuphase ASL/C series cables, 1/1.5/3m avail., work the best for me (pricey).
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What are you using for speaker cables, digital cables, power cords, and power conditioning just because all that matters? While I’ve read nice things about the upper level KS cables the Fascination is at best mixed, which is I think what you’re wrestling with now. I’d suggest trying these Acoustic Zen Matrix II XLR interconnects that you can get for $725 for two pairs, and if they don’t work out you can easily sell them for little/no loss so very low risk to try. I have them and they may well preserve the warmth you like — they’re very natural-sounding interconnects — while adding some treble detail/air you may be missing. Just another idea FWIW, and best of luck.
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650192584-acoustic-zen-zero-crystal-matrix-reference-ii-10m-and-15m-rca-and-balanced-11-pairs/
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@soix - IC and speaker cables are KS Fascination, Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8 USB between streamer and DAC, Power cords are a mix with original and Forte A3, with Amp and Preamp directly to wall with surge protection no conditioner. Thanks for the suggestion.
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This year I celebrate my 50th anniversary of working with XLR connectors, also marking my transition from college hifi guy to professional audio. In every imaginable parameter the XLR is superior to the RCA connector.
But that's not the question. Is it audibly superior at lengths less than 5 meters? The answer is no. At longer lengths, over 10 meters, the answer is unquestionably yes. True balanced connections have much better common mode noise rejection, but until that reaches a meaningful threshold, who cares?
If you choose to locate your power amps a couple feet from your speakers, and the preamp a 30ft cable run away, balanced - true balanced, not 'Pin 2' balanced (which is actually just unbalanced wired with XLRs) - works much better.
Using XLRs for nearby peripheral interconnects is fine, but know that in the context of hifi, it's just a vanity move. In an RFI dense studio, maybe not so much.
Just calling it as I see it.
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Another vote for Pine Tree Audio XLR cables. I’ve also had a good experience with Blue Jeans cable including XLRs. I have paid more for Audioquest but no significant sound difference.
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@audioman58 @panzrwagn ...Ah, 2 schools of thought that seem to have some synergy that I could fart with since the mic cables aren't occupied all the time... *G*
Thank you both, +10👍
@mclinnguy Yeah, I've noticed that on a couple, but seems only in 2~3 of 2 dozen.
Only had one disconnect itself entirely in my hand, guess QC was @ tea... 😏
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Generally the price premium for XLRs over unbalanced cables is pretty small. Transparent are an outlier because the bulk of the cost of a Transparent cable is the networks. This is evident from the fact that Transparent charges relatively little for additional lengths of cable. But balanced Transparent cables need a network for both the hot and cold signals, hence the premium.
One small aspect of XLR's that I prefer is the fact that the pins and sockets in an XLR plug are identical, whereas in an RCA you have a circular negative connection that then has to transition to a different form factor to allow a wire to be soldered to it.
@OP Shunyata Thetas are worth adding to your audition list.
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panzrwagn
In every imaginable parameter the XLR is superior to the RCA connector.
It's all about the implementation. I've seen some really horrible XLR connectors that I wouldn't want anywhere near my system. On the other hand, I've seen some really exquisite RCA connectors - some of which even lock - from manufacturers such as WBT. So there is good and bad quality of each.
But that's not the question. Is it audibly superior at lengths less than 5 meters? The answer is no.
I think it unlikely you'd be able to reliably hear differences between XLR and RCA terminations provided each are well built. If the XLRs terminate into balanced connections, you may very well be able to hear and measure differences. For example, many balanced components (such as Audio Research) will have 6 dB greater gain on the balanced connections. If you don't need that gain, you might want to consider that as 6 dB better S/N. Either way, that's a substantial difference and cable length has nothing to do with it.
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I highly recommend looking into Cerious Technologies cables. I’ve used very expensive cables until I found Cerious. Bob’s XLRs are more resolving than other cables three to four times the price. Just take a look at their website.
https://cerioustech.com
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There is really very little difference between XLR and RCA. Most of us aren't going to need a cable longer than 2m.
I've had some great RCA cables and poor sounding XLR cables and vice versa.
Many high end valve amp manufacturers only provide RCA inputs.
I would say the OP's dilema is in finding synchronicity in his system - we've all been there!
Over the years I've used Cardas as my reference, they get along with most electronics.
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I am sure it's gear dependent but in my experience, with two highly regarded sources, a Modwright Oppo and a Lumin A1 music server, the XLR outputs were far superior to the RCA's.
In a little second system I ran a variety of amps and speakers with a Lumin D2 as source....because the pre amp and most amps only accepted RCA I was forced to go all single ended. Amps were SS and tubes, speakers were Omega (2 different models) Sonus Faber, Harbeth, Sterling Broadcast and Klipsch. I always had the same issue....the midrange was awful no matter what combo I tried.....kind of hollowed out and tinny. Finally realized the one common denominator was the Lumin, thought about selling it then realized in all my Lumin experience I had never run single ended output cables in my primary system, always XLR, so I purchased Cardas XLR to RCA adapters on the preamp side with XLR cables....mid range magic returned. Pisses me off I didn't realize it earlier as I fired some really nice speaker amp combos.
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Unless the equipment is actually true balanced differential there is no reason to use XLR’s . As an example I have a Mark Levinson no.585.5 amp that is balanced. But my DAC is a Chord Dave. Even though my Dave has XLR outputs it’s not balanced (per Rob Watts) so using XLR’s is pointless. BTW I use Audience FrontRow Reserve interconnects
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My system is exclusively XLR, except where it’s impossible—like my turntable and tube preamp, which use RCA. For cables, I use Mogami with Neutrik connectors. You can build or buy them pre-made; the pricing is very reasonable.
My thinking is simple: if it’s good enough for professional studios, it’s good enough for me. There’s no need to spend $4500 on XLRs with carbon fiber shells and silk-wrapped cables. I’d rather use well-engineered, proven cables with top-tier commercial-grade connectors—nothing flashy, just reliable and built to perform.
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Virtually every cable I use, which are considerable, are XLR. I use them mainly because I have long runs. There are some instances where the output is doubled. I have used and don’t hear any difference between them.
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The morgami platnum are heaver gauge.excellent quality.xlr will give you a 6 db increase in sound level .has 3 wires and does not use the shield as ground like rca. Make sure the xlr are 3 wire .my mcintosh are cardus star 4 wire as the use the 4th wire to ground only source to lower floor noise.another great of xlr is long runs don't cause much voltage drop as rca does. So you can run xlr long to a monoblock amp near your speaker then short speaker cables helping sound quality. Resistances increase over length of wire but more effect ins heard in long runs of speaker wire.i am a believer in thick gauge wire. I like it so much I don't buy anything without balanced xlr. Enjoy the search.
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You won't hear a difference at all.
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That sounds a little presumptuous. Perhaps you mean when you have compared single ended to XLR on your equipment, you have not heard a difference. If so, what was the equipment in you were using and which interconnects did you try? Were the components balanced... etc.
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If your equipment is fully balanced, then absolutely use XLR cabling. Why would you downgrade what the designer put so much money and effort into......obviously they feel it's the best option. If not, then try and see which one you prefer. If the cable run has any distance and accepts XLR, that might be the best choice
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I went through a period with my system during which I sometimes mixed XLR and RCA IC's between components to get different effects but ultimately found that using RCA throughout was best. Mixing them created "collisions" in sound - the XLR gain was too dynamic for the mix and would actually cause audible "skips" in the playback. Eventually I used all RCA's (Moon Audio "Silver Dragon" RCA's) and this created the sound I was looking for. When all XLR's were used the sound was too dynamic and "slammy." The power amps are GanFet AGD Audions which are already "fast" amps, so XLR's were sort of overkill. The Dac and pre were Holo Audio, and there has always been a rumor that the Holo May prefers RCA to begin with. I would have to agree. Also, when using the Primaluna EVO 400 as the preamp the RCA's are definitely superior.
These components are all pushing a pair of Cornwall 4's with vintage 10 gauge Western Electric wire used as speaker wire. The power cables are a mix of pre-owned Shunyata Alpha NR's at the CD transport and Holo May Dac and Anticables Level 3 everywhere else - the trials and engaging mysteries of a relative newbie in audio electronics.
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