Long XLR Interconnects


I know this has been discussed many times but not its at top of mind for my 2025 change.  I'm planning to relocate my equipment to a side wall.  I need to purchase a set of 16+ feet balanced interconnects.  At that length cost becomes a real consideration.  I currently run all balance Cardas Clear.  I've looked at Morrow MA7, Cardas, Mogami and a few others.  I don't what to lose imaging, soundstage, etc., but not excited about remortgaging the house.  

Current Equipment:

Pre - Cary SLP05

Amps - AGD Audion

DAC - Bricasti M1 S2

Speakers - Joseph Audio Perspectives

Cables - Cardas Clear

Am I crazy? Any suggestions, based on  experience, for moving to long XLR interconnects.  Which cables would you suggest?    

Thanks and sorry for bringing up an old topic. 

testrun

I use professional cables used in recording studios. They are not fancy, do not cost a lot and actually work. See, musicians don’t like noise and have to have long cables. Pro cables work in difficult studio environment, I am sure they will do fine at home. Check SweetWater and don’t be surprised by $50 prices. WORLDS BEST CABLES (Japan) on Amazon also good. My cables are 12-20 ft long.

I’ve been considering the same thing, but I don’t want to sacrifice/change sound quality by using cheaper interconnects nor do I want to spend thousands on longer lengths of my current interconnects so my solution is to get a low 2-level audio rack so I can keep my current interconnects but the equipment encroaches minimally into the sound space.  Just as an example, here’s a rack that should easily accommodate your components but is only 18” high.  Just an idea FWIW. 

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_961S42K/Solidsteel-S4-2.html

@testrun I did try moving to long XLRs.
At the time my system consisted of Pass Labs XP12, Pass Labs XA30.8, Lumin U1 Mini streamer, Bricasti M3. I used Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper 1m XLRs throughout and Audience AU24SX speaker cables. I moved the system to the side wall and left the amp between speakers. Ran a 15ft Mogami Gold Studio XLRs from XP12 into XA30.8 while the Bricasti was still talking to XP12 via the 1m long AZ Absolute Copper.
At first heard a bit more definition and focus without the rack in between speakers and thought I liked it. Shortly after when the initial excitement wore off, I started hearing changes on tonality that I didn’t like - added harshness, glare in the mids. This is of course in comparison to a silky smooth Acoustic Zens.
I lived with it for a month then moved it all back. It was not worth the effort at all to me.

What I did though to kind of strike a balance of clean space between speakers with components still in their space is lay it all out on the amp stands. Take a look at the attached picture 

But if you want to go the long XLR route, I think BlueJeans belden XLRs are going to do the trick

Good luck!

 

 

I have 2 sets of Benchmark XLR between my preamp and amps for 2 systems. I set is 15 feet and the other is 25 feet. These cables sound great but that could be a function of the gear which are likely AES48 compliant, Benchmark, CODA, Holo Audio, Sanders (made by CODA).

Check out SVS cables. I use these between my amp and preamp, and you can get lengths up to 15 m. The 12 m length is 65 bucks a cable.

 

Also, I have not tested them myself but others in various forums speak highly of Snake Oil cables.

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and recommendations.  @audphile1 I think I am going to go the route you ended up with and clean up the equipment placement between the speakers.  What amp stands did you use? When I look at the cost of a new rack and long interconnects I'm not convinced I will end up with a better end product.  Thanks again everyone.  Enjoy 2025!!

When I look at the cost of a new rack and long interconnects I'm not convinced I will end up with a better end product. 

I’d 100% agree with that and think using amp stands is an excellent idea and will be doing that myself.  @audphile1 thanks for the hot tip!

I have a larger version of the one linked below. Kinda pricey, but good quality. The shelves are adjustable to any height. You can buy optional end panels, caster wheels, cabinet doors, pull out shelves, etc.

 

If you order through AudioLab like I did, they'd probably cut you a deal and they don't charge sales tax. 

 

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_537SN20BOA/Salamander-Designs-Synergy-System-Core-Module-SN20-Black-Oak-with-Aluminum-Posts.html

@testrun ​​​​@soix

I use Solid Steel S3 amp stands. They’re not stupid expensive.
https://upscaleaudio.com/products/solidsteel-s3-series-amp-stand

Excellent build. Sturdy. Allows you to spread the components and minimize EMI from amp’s massive transformer. Clean setup.