When to choice XLR over RCA ICs.

Why is it that some (all?) component manufacturers design XLR with a few dB more than the RCA outputs? 

Max Townshend told me that RCA's are the way to go over XLR's because RCA's give "pure sound". That the additional circuitry in XLR's detract from the pure sound..However if you are dealing with longer cable runs, XLR's are the sensible choice. 

The only way to know for sure is to try whatever wires you have as many ways as possible.

Having said that, I am not a fan of trying to tune a system with wires in most cases. XLR done properly should always be the best way to go technically when available then tweak elsewhere from there as needed.

What @cleeds said

but you have to listen to determine what is best for you in your system 

Make sure what they are running between is all so balanced. Just because a unit has XLR imputes or out puts does not mean it's balanced when running XLR cables between real balanced gear has alway sounded better  to me than single ended.

some simply prefer the tighter connection when the XLR cables click into place...

There is no real difference at one meter.  However there may well be a difference in how each is implemented in the Amp.  Often XLR is implemented with a small transformer which colors the sound a bit and amplifies it.  Louder sounds better.  

Also, the term balanced implies that RCA is imbalanced.  Balanced must be better.  People make choices based on superficial impressions like this.  

Jerry

Many differentially balanced components will yield 6dB more gain when operated fully balanced - that is, balanced input and output. Another way to look at that is a 6dB improvement in s/n. That can be noticeable.

as per xlr vs rca itreally depends on length and components design.

long runs xlr is preferred if the devices are truly balanced ie differential cicuits then xlr

if thedevice uses a trasformer to turn rca to xlr the use rca.

hope that helps

Dave and Troy

audio Intellect NJ

It is worthwhile to try them, there are two places for differences.. between the components themselves and the cables. In general you are not going to hear a sound quality difference between the two cables of the same construction (same level, one balanced and one not), although the XLR will be a little louder. Then the question will be on the components.

When I got my most recent Audio Research components (which are of balanced design) I had unbalanced Transparent interconnects, so I compared with balanced… which cost a lot more. If there was a difference it was really really subtitle.

I decided to upgrade another level of cables… and chose balanced… just because the industry is headed that way and it is Audio Research’s recommendation. If I was still upgrading my system, I would probably put the money elsewhere. Iike direct lines, or vibration control.

I would not upgrade from unbalanced to balanced at the same level of interconnect. But if in the market to upgrade interconnects to match your system, that would be the time to do it. But you must verify that XLR outputs do sound the same or better. On some gear, they may not.

If you can hear the difference with cables that short, you have 'dog's ears. :-) 

If your system is 'balanced' and a you're a tad anal XLR cables would put your mind at ease. They won't make it worse.