Just got a new power amp

I do know Audionet recommends single ended interconnects to avoid op amps.

Thanks Eric.

Erik

There has been so much debate over RCA vs XLR connections...

All I can say is that in my experience (with different mix of components - separates), I have always enjoyed the sound through my balanced connectors more than through my RCA's

However, I will say I have mostly used the pricier variety of cables including: Nordost, Kimber, Cardas, & Merlin

erik_squires

When an amp or preamp has XLR inputs there are three things that may be done: 

... Use op amps in differential configuration

... Very very rare - use discrete circuits to convert

That is a bit unclear. There are many differentially balanced components that use operational amplifiers ("op-amps") in purely discrete circuits. Audio Research, for example.

I realize there are people who have disdain for op-amps. But I think that’s just a prejudice based on their experience with cheap chip-based op-amps, of which there are more than a few. But - as with so many things in audio - the result depends on execution. There are good op-amps on chips.

Yes, of course. XLR's almost ALWAYS sound better, and by no small amount.