Considering switching to XLR cables,

+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.

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.

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 

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).

@salc 

What don't you like about the Kubala Sosna Fascination interconnects? Do you have fascination speaker cables? I have been considering these. Thanks..