2. cables
  3. 132316-17741

Suggestion on XLR Cables

I’m looking for a suggestion on reasonably price high-end XLR cables. By reasonable I mean <=$1k. I prefer pre-owned cables because I hate paying retail, especially for cables.

The rest of the system is

PS Audio DMP Transport
PS Audio DSD Dac
NAT Audio Magnetic Preamp
PS Audio BHK Stereo Amp
Wilson Audio Duettes
Synergistic Powercell 10 UEF Conditioner
Acoustic Revive RTP-2 Power Distributor
(2) Acoustic Revive R-777
3 Furutech Flux 50 Power Filters
Various Furutech Power Cables
Dueland XLR interconnects
Acoustic Revive Speaker Cable

Most of what I listen to is Jazz, Vocalists (Diana Krall, Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald) or Pop/Rock (Eagles, James Taylor). Occasionally classical but then mostly solo piano.

Thanks in advance.





ihmeyers
muses
2 posts
 

I generally just skim through the weekly collection, but this is one I definitely need to chime in on. I used theses cables for the first time over 41 one years ago because I became "house sound" for what was then a new theater complex. The cables were there and attached to Neumann microphones. I began recording minimally miked classical music around the same time, and quickly discovered that nothing was a substitute, not Mogami, not Canare, nothing else. They are unsurpassed, as nearly as I can tell. Superior copper content and low capacitance. Bare copper shields around each pair of the star quad configuration, then wrapped with non woven thermally bonded polyester, coated inside and outside with aluminum (this becomes the isolation layer between the conductors and shield). Finally a double Reussen shield of bare copper enclosed in a soft PVC jacket. They're flexible, quiet - low microphonics - and the RF immunity is unbeatable. Manufactured in Austria. I'm not a sales guy, but I do pay close attention to my cables and these are one of the best kept "secrets" of the audio industry. Gotham GAC 4/1Ultra Pro  #11301. Lew will answer your questions.

http://gothamaudiousa.com/analog.htm

marcyun
15 posts
 
In my very limited experience with short runs and fully balanced gear (Ayre), I have found balanced ICs to be less variable in sound quality than single ended, which intuitively and technically makes sense. Eg many people report Mogami Gold to get them most of what they need sound wise. I would start there before spending a ton of money, then audition a few things to see if it's worthwhile.

My personal go-to for both RCA and XLR is DH Labs Air Matrix, which runs in the $300-400 price range brand new. It's quite neutral and detailed and won't add a ton of its own color. In XLR I have found it to be very close to ICs costing 5x as much.

If you need something on the slightly sweeter side of neutral, Audience also makes very nice stuff. And of course there is Cardas but I have found their stuff to be very system dependent.
marcyun
15 posts
 
Ah I see you already have Dueland XLRs. Anything in particular you’re looking for that they’re not giving you? On the higher end side, Audience Au24 SX is fantastic and could be a great match for your system, but likely out of your price range even used.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
...What are those mid to high end cables (RCA or XLR) made out of to warrant such premium prices (few hundred dollars per cable)?...

I think snake oil is a key ingredient.
initforthemusic
282 posts
 
I agree with marcyun that so far I've heard very little difference in XLR Cables unlike RCA's where there are significant differences. As mentioned for little money the Canare are good. For a bit more the Solid Silver or Silver Litz XLR's from Sunny Audio Shop on E-Bay allow a bit more micro, macro dynamics through.
More to discover