2. cables
  3. 1392654804

XLR or RCA?

Dear audiogon community,

It was recommended, in another post, that I try a difference IC cable. I was considering the audio quest columbia XLR. ( I am currently using xlr cable between by c2300 preamp and mc275 amp). However, I then read that xlr cables only provide a real benefit if you are using balanced cables throughout your entire system, which I presume means from my turntable into my preamp. Is this true? Because if it is, perhaps I should switch to RCA. That is, my tonearm cable ends with RCS cables. In fact, my pre-amp does not have xlr inputs for phono (though it has them for everything else).

I plead with you, the wise audition community, to lead me out of this mystery!
elegal

Showing 1 response by mcondon

mcondon
235 posts
 
I used to own the McIntosh MC275 amp. Even though it is not fully balanced, I tried both RCA and XLR cables (Crimson Music Links) between it and my preamp at the time, an Aesthetix Calypso. I preferred the sound with the XLR cables -- I thought my system sounded fuller, with better bass than with the RCA cables. This probably had more to do with the Calypso, which is fully balanced, than the MC275, which is not.

In any case, why not just borrow XLR cables from the Cable Company or buy them from Music Direct, which offers a 30-day money-back guarantee? If you hear a difference and like it, then buy the XLR cables. If not, return them.
More to discover