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inexpensive xlr vs expensive rca

I currently use homemade Belden 8423/Neutrik XLR throughout my system. Mainly because I was spending money on getting all of the components up to spec.

I'm looking at some used, very high-end RCA cables at a good price. I can't find the equivalent XLR cables used, but I can find XLR cables a few levels down of the manufacturer. For instance, $1500 RCA cables for $600. Or $700 XLR cables for $700. 

I'm connecting a Parasound JC-3+ and an Ayre QB-9 DSD to a Parasound JC-2. All first-class equipment. 

Would I be better off getting the super quality RCA used cables, or the less high quality (but still good) brand-new XLR cables at the same price point? 
marktrav

Showing 1 response by joey54

joey54
435 posts
 
I would respectfully disagree about any Ayre product sounding better using RCA connections and would suggest sticking with your XLR cables to the QB9. Having used both the QB9 and now the Ayre Codex, both pieces sound dramatically better running balanced. I have no experience with Parasound products and I won’t speak to the effect on them. But if the Parasound gear is truly a balanced design I would stick with your XLR’s.

Good Luck!
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