XLR and RCA interconnects in the same system?

Hi Liz...you're very wrong. If (and only if) your system is completely balanced from beginning to end, there is a definite advantage.. providing the components are truely differentially balanced. Most components that sport XLR connections are Not balanced and therefore provide no benefit in using balanced interconnects..they are there to impress the purchaser that the circuit is of a higher quality. I am using an all Ayre system which is indeed diferentially balanced...a more expensive circuit having a seperate plus circuit, and a duplicate but phase reversed minus circuit. You can clearly hear that balanced cables sound better than any RCA terminated cable. The sound is quieter, more open, with greater ease.

Hi again Liz.... Actually isn't "theory" as you suggest. Anyone doing an A/B between balanced and single ended can clearly hear the difference. I guess using mid-fi equipment it makes no difference....however in the persuit of perfection, balanced is indeed better.

K4r...just plain "Nope" with the caveat that there may be some minor benefit using XLR with non balanced circuit...however, the real benefit comes with fully differentially balanced circuitry.

Kr4....listen and be enlightened. I am a musician, not a scientist. I place my trust in my ears.