2. misc-audio
  3. 179247-1413

SQ difference XLR vs RCA ?

I’ve read lots of the discussions on this forum about balanced vs single ended connections.  My understanding so far is that balanced connection has better signal to noise than single ended, which helps if you have hum or noise problems or if you have long runs.  
My question is this:  if I have a quiet system with short runs, do balanced connections sound better?

mabonn

Showing 1 response by socalml528

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socalml528
150 posts
 

I use a short .5m XLR connection from a Macintosh SACD (MCD85) to a Macintosh MA352 IA.  I was originally using the RCA outputs and inputs for SACD/CD.  It was a noticeable improvement in sound quality on many SACD & CDs (not all).

My conclusion is that the XLRs brought out the most in the medium and equipment depending on the quality of medium. 

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