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XLR or SE cable?

After reading the current posts relating to the volumne differences between XLR and SE cables and the recommendation of ARC (to use balanced) I find myself in a quandry as to an avenue of selection for a possibile change and could use some help. I have an ARC CD 3 Mk2 using with a Classe CAP 151 integrated amp. Currently I have them tied with SE Ridge Street Poeima ICs (1 mtr), I must add that listening is nicely relaxed and not fatiuging at all but, I was looking to warm up the presentation a little more and get a bit more bottom end extention as well. ARC recommends using balanced for optimum results (which I could do), after contenplating a change I was wondering if this would be the right route to go? Also after seeing the posting about volumne differences between using the two this additionally leaves me questioning it as well becuse I'm used to the settings I currently use for listening. I have settled on a new pair of ICs from Grover Huffman and before I invest I would like to make the right decision to do so and could use some advise as to XLR or SE being the better or best selection and benefits for optimation? Speakers are Apogee Slant 6s and I listen to soft rock, blues, new age, and jazz.
rsjm80

Showing 3 responses by rsjm80

rsjm80 OP
207 posts
 
Herman, I checked the Classe manual and it states that "the Balanced input is a true differential high level input wired as follows: Pin 1 Ground, Pin 2 Positive (Non Inverted) Signal, Pin 3 Negitive (Inverted) Signal. It may be used with CD players that have a Balanced output, or any other high level balanced sources."
Lak, I kinda agree with you and have been confused by the recomendation from ARC that I have been missing getting the utmost from the CD 3 by NOT using Balanced ICs, I do know that Balanced ICs are supposed to have a lower noise floor but to change would I be spending money on diminishing returns? I've seen in the fourms prior that Balanced Ics are better for long runs especially when you are running longer than 1 mtr. I also am very comfortable with knowing where my volumne setting should be when I play my cds as well and additionally have been confused with the recent reporting in the foum of the output differences. So far both of your responces point to staying with SE cables though. Thank you both for your opinions so far, it does help me.
rsjm80 OP
207 posts
 
Gotta thank you all for your responces as not only do they shed more light on the subject but also still more questions. Herman Thanks I now see where you're comming from and see a little better that I should also contact Classe and pose that question (which just might answer all my questions for me)!
Timrhu Thanks to you also that's a real generous offer that I just may take you up on!
Mordante Thank you as you and Herman are helping me to try to understand some (probably) basic differences that I just don't comprehend.
Lak, Konis and Cpk all excellent points and maybe with the way I've set up my rig Balanced ICs could also just be a point of diminishing returns for the extra expendure but, I'm trying to get the best out of my rig so that I can stop changing (but never say never). I'll also let you know what Classe says (I'll ask them if it coverts to SE or not) when I hear back too. Thanks again everyone.
rsjm80 OP
207 posts
 
Got the response back from Classe and is quoted as follows:

"When you use the balanced input on your CAP-151 these 3 signals reach a ”differential circuit” that removes the noise using the principle I mentioned to you before. They are combined into a single low noise signal that is sent to the CAP-151 amplifier stage.
There is only one signal path to the amplifier stage, so single ended signals also travel down it. However they will not have benefited from the “differential circuit” so will be of a lower quality with more noise. This ultimately means that the Balanced input sounds better than the single ended inputs."
It sounds to me that the optimum path for best noise rejection then would be to use Balanced. Mordante & Herman this seems to also confirm the principle of an SE circuit in the signal path that you alerted me of. By lowering the noise floor I could possibily realize better definition and maybe resolution?
I'll also try to borrow a pair of Balanced ICs to check this out and again Thanks everyone for helping to further educate me with your answers, its gone a long way for me.
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