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XLR to RCA interconnect. Does mixed connectors provide less noise compared RCA to RCA?

I am currently using Signal Audio Cable which is XLR to RCA. between the pre-outs of Rogue integrated amp and a Balanced Audio Technology VK-200 amp which has both XLR  and RCA connectors.  I

 was holding out to replace the Rogue with either a BAT pre-amp with both XLR and RCA or another brand of pre-amp which is equal to the BAT.   However, I got a great deal on a Conrad Johnson PV-14L SE ( with the upgraded caps) which has all RCA's. 

My questions is it worth getting the same XLR to RCA to connect an Ayre CX7e mp CD player which has  XLR outputs to the CJ preamp's CD inputs, or just stay with the Harmonic Technology "Truth Link" RCA to RCA  IC  ( previous model but highly rated) I currently use. 

Is there one brand of XLR to RCA interconnects that is better sounding than others. I almost bought  a Mogami XLR to RCA, but it was too long and more money.    Thank you

sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,012 posts
 
In case its not obvious, the crux of this is that single-ended and balanced connections are inherently incompatible. That’s why Jensen transformers can be an excellent solution as transformers can convert from one to the other with ease.

I figure balanced is the way to go myself. But if your preamp is single-ended though there’s not much point in using a different cable (it’s single-ended regarldess of the connector). Just run RCAs to the amplifier have done with it.
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