XLR recomendation

@djohn I use the Mogami 2549.

@atmasphere Could I trouble you to Post the Mogami Cable W number?

I've been using Mogami Neglex for years. My setup uses 30' cables. But the equipment in my system supports AES48 so the sonic differences between cables disappear. Part of the reason to go balanced is to eliminate the differences between cables- and so this thread really shouldn't exist. But it does because AES48 (the balanced line standard) isn't being supported by the associated equipment.

If you've ever wondered why audio engineers say interconnect cables don't make a difference and audiophiles say they do, its not because engineers use less transparent equipment, its because their equipment supports the balanced standard.

It was this standard that ushered in the age of high fidelity in the 1950s; it made long microphone cables possible. There are many thousands of recordings that show it works 😉

Saec SL 3000 - PC Triple C Wire for the Signal Path. 

Difficult to improve on this Cable and fairly priced in relation to the competition. 

I'm also using an SR Atmosphere cable (digital coax) from my transport to my DAC. Just replaced my single ended cables (Core Power Technologies Diamond) from my DAC to my fully balanced preamp with XLRs.. Based on a tip, I chose a pair of Mogami Neglex 2534 quad cables with Neutrik connectors. I purchased these from 10 Audio for only $109. 

I was surprised at the easily audible improvement in micro detail, allowing more insight into the timbre of voices and instruments. I can hear deeper into the mix. Also noticed that it produced more volume and I had to turn down my volume to get a similar apparent listening level to the single ended cables. The manufacturer claims to burn the cables in for 100 hours before shipping. Depending on your system, it may be a bit too detailed- less warm and euphonic- for long listening sessions, but at this price, it's worth a shot. This type of cable is widely used in studios for RFI and other noise rejection. 

I had a very good result going from Zavfino's Fusion RCA to Fusion XLR from my phono stage to hybrid integrated. Under $400 delivered.

Using the same cable allowed me to really hear the difference between single-ended and balanced, which was huge.

FWIW, they only sell direct and have skinny margins, so my guess is these would be 3-4 times the cost if they went through normal distributor-to-retailer channels. 

(If money is no object then you could look at the Silver Dart XLRs for around $1,600) 

AZ Absolute Copper (used them for few years) is a good recommendation if you are looking for warmer, thicker sound with big bass (could sound bloated depending on the rest of the system and room). I moved on to Nordost Tyr 2. Better balanced top to bottom, slightly more resolution, tighter bass, better separation and bigger soundstage. Again, it’s all system and listening preference dependent.

@carlsbad2 Meant to say that the Heritage is a fully balanced integrated amp. It has both balanced and SE.  Because it’s balanced it’s been suggested to use XLR rather than RCA with DAVE. Though I’m enjoying my. Syn Res RCA’s. Will be interesting to A/B RCA and XLR eventually with DAVE. 

For value ,quality look at the Wireworld Eclipse there is many excellent attributes 

and one huge factor many lesser cables don’t have is pure silver over solid copper connectors. 6.9s pure Copper ,patented lowest dielectric resistance, and their geometry greatly reduces eddy currents ,the speaker cable is a very substantial awg

and connectors are screw on if you want to chance bananas or spades ,

and can be ordered with internal bywire if needed , XLR the same quality.

@carlsbad2 Sorry to be unclear.  Bad capacitor or resistor in the right XLR. Hopefully won’t need to replace the entire board.  Haven’t had a chance to send infor inspection/repair yet.  I had been using XLR before the problem occurred.  

It doesn't have RCA inputs?  Interesting.

@carlsbad2 my amp is balanced. Pathos Heritage MKii. Thanks. 

I have DAVE and M-scaler and prefer single ended interconnects.  May depend on your amp.

BAV or Iconoclast.

Benchmark:

$58 for 10' of Canare L-4E6S StarQuad  (1 cable).

Blue Jeans Cable:

$45.25 for 10' of Belden 1800F (1 cable);

$40.75 for 10' of  Canare L-4E6S Star Quad (1 cable).

I have been down the cable rabbit hole. After years &💵💵 spent. I purchase used so broken in already and more cost effective. I settled on Acoustic Zen Absolute cables. Never looked back, can’t go wrong. Cables and gear are system dependent as to sound .But driven by reviewers & magazines in past. Noe internet and lots more people involved in opinions.   AZen, Cardas, and such and stay away from crazy high  priced cables.

A voice in cyberspace says….Cardas Clear. 

Try Acoustic Zen absolute copper. A used pair can be had for under 2K.

@glennewdick Thanks for the heads up.  

Just a heads up, I also have a Dave and the XLR sockets are quite small so I recommend you try before buying to make sure they fit.

I'm using some AudioQuest XLR's (I believe all of theirs are the same size) that are not small enough for the socket and only make contact with the tips of the plug. 

@soix My DAVE right XLR channel is burnt so I’m using RCA for now. Sold my only decent Transparent Ref XLR and need another.  Transparent was fine.  Most of my cables are Transparent.  Just looking for alternative suggestions.   Thx

What specific improvements are you looking for over the Element Copper ICs?

Audience Front Row

Siltech Classic Legend - Reviews indicate clear transparency. I purchased the 880 XLRs.  

Iconoclast

Be careful buying used - avoiding fake knockoffs. 

I am guessing that you are looking for very neutral, low noise floor and dynamic interconnects judging by your very nice looking system. Obviously we can’t know all the nuances of how your components work together or your tastes.

My first choice would be Transparent. Second, possibly Nordost… they would need to be used at about $2K. Nordost are really good in the upper levels and not so good in the lower level. If you still want more musical then the top levels of Cardas.

I would recommend Chen Audio Labs WRT cables.  They offer a free trial and are reasonably priced.

https://chenaudiolab.com/id103.html