Transparent Cables interconnects question

jsbach1685

Transparent Audio is a sonic match for AYRE and Mark Levinson brands.

Happy Listening!

Let’s be careful mixing XLR and balanced in discussion. Just because a piece of equipment has XLR ins or outs doesn’t necessarily mean they are truly balanced. Balanced is a ground scheme the system uses, an XLR connection can be wired essentially like an RCA connection, therefore not actually balanced. Most balanced units will specify, particularly inputs. In a balanced or differential system that fact will be stated and the XLR ins/outs will indeed be balanced. If one component is balanced and the other is not, even connected to an XLR in/out, the line will no longer be balanced and the overall pluses of a balanced line are negated. In terms of absolute SQ, that is a hot topic. XLR’s provide a more robust connection, thus theoretically should be “better” but that isn’t always the case. You’ll have to try both and see which you prefer. Preference is key.

So we spoke with transparent and confirmed the info indicated above. They said to find out which connection type is native and then choose a cable from there. If one is native to xlr, and the other rca, then best to test both option to see what sounds best. Also, my buddy’s cap is a Rotel 991, not 1570. I gotta say though, the more we were discussing transparent cables, the more I was gaining interest in them myself. My current cables are harmonic tech pro-9 biwire and pro-silway II xlr. I’m using them with a levinson 383 integrated, ayre cx7emp CD player and revel f30 speakers. I don’t see much written comparing these two cable brands. Anyone have any experience there? As for my buddy’s system, we need to contact krell and Rotel and see about the native connections

Unfortunately it is not a question of if they have balanced connectors, it is a question of internal design. So if one of your components Is not balanced it is difficult to tell… I would go with RCA. Some day when your components are much better, it may matter and in the mean time you have more money for components. 

Rotel is generally not a balanced design, only offering XLR as a convenience, therefore no electrical advantage, though some believe XLR's offer a tighter connection...

Both components have balanced connections. One is a Krell integrated, the other is a Rotel cdp, but not sure of the model; I believe it’s a 1570. I’m posting this query for a friend who advised these two interconnects are for sale somewhat close to him (two different sellers).

I can't tell you which sounds better because I haven't listened to them back to back. 

I prefer balanced connections because of the increased signal level and the lower signal distortion.  

I'd try to audition them back to back if possible.

The difference in sound would come from the components you are connecting. If both your components have internally balanced circuitry, then theoretically that may sound better than using the single ended connection. The manufacturer of my equipment recommends using XLR (Audio Research). I switched from Transparent RCA to XLR , just to be safe. I did not notice a difference, but I did not do an analytical assessment.

The issue is, if your components are not built balanced, the balanced output requires a conversion… and visa versa. It was not obvious in my components is because they are very high quality and they put a lot of effort into a neutral conversion.

XLR do sound louder (but your system cannot play louder… so not an advantage). Three conductors instead of two… hence higher cost.

The past is RCA… most companies are slowly moving towards XLR… so, probably the better way to go. Unless the saved money can help upgrade something else.

Some folks will chime in about XLR being better for long runs. But unless you have a 100’ run, it is extremely unlikely you will hear a difference..