Which Audioquest XLR?

I don't use any "battery pack" XLRs (no reason really, and I'll try 'em maybe someday if I think about it) but the Diamondbacks seem to work fine, and are well made. I bagged a pair of Mogamis that SUCKED (weirdly...as other non-balanced Mogami stuff has worked fine) and the Diamondbacks, which can be found to be inexpensive in the used market, are utterly neutral in my system. From DAC to preamp, and preamp to amp (although the amp likely straps 2 lines to ground...still...). Note...don't twist the Diamondbacks as the silicon goo can allow them to short.

Timrhu...you're insane and have no idea what you're talking about...uh...wait...you agree with me?...uh...nevermind...Timrhu, you are wise and possibly good looking.

I use KIng Cobras from my phono preamp to the preamp. Like 'em.

My system is virtually noiseless, so a lower noise floor occurs only when it's off.

I do use large aftermarket noise filtering power supplies for my DAC and phono preamp, a Humbuster III for the power amps, an old but useful power conditioner for everything, balanced cables whenever possible with well shielded cables all around, quiet speaker cables (properly spiraled for noise rejection), and my sub is "ground lifted" to not loop with the other things. This results in a dead quiet system that is the envy of all humans (and some animals) everywhere. I am clearly fortunate.

Ctsooner...I think you should worry less about my noise floor and more about your inability to detect humor. Maybe these things are connected (Promising improvement of something you haven't actually heard? An inability to detect mirth? Pesky food allergies maybe?), but evaluation by a trained professional and possibly therapy can't hurt, although I won't promise anything.