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Experiences With Costly Balanced XLR Interconnects Above $3,000

I’ve had great success going with quality (and costly) mains power cables in the main system. In my experience power cords bring the most significant difference in comparison to interconnects and speaker cables. However, I have not really tried the best interconnects out there.

I currently have the Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 XLR and an Acrolink 8N-A2080III Evo XLR in the system. Both sound excellent although different in their presentation. I’m wondering if the top-of-the-line WW Platinum Eclipse 8 XLR or Acrolink Mexcel DA6300IV XLR will bring a noticeable or worthwhile improvement to the sound.

Any experiences would be appreciated.

ryder
jafant
18,871 posts
 

ryder

I am looking forward in reading more about Acrolink v. Wireworld XLR cables in your system. Iam also considering Acrolink 8100/9700 PC as well.

 

Happy Listening!

jafant
18,871 posts
 

bosssound

 

I enjoyed the "Kento" room at Hifi Buys Atlanta as well.  Your ears do not decieve.

Good to read that you had an excellent experience.

 

Happy Listening!

invalid
1,086 posts
 

Next year most audio manufacturers will have a better preamp, better amp, better DAC, and better speakers.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,629 posts
 

Well since all the cables sounded the same, that begs the question why the preamp couldn’t discern the differences.

@dave_b 

No, it doesn't and that's not a thing... Let's put it another way? Its good you have the resolution to hear cable differences. Its bad that you actually do.

Next year most audio manufacturers will have a better preamp, better amp, better DAC, and better speakers.

Yes. But as we all know, cables can cost as much or more than a component. One customer of mine had balanced interconnect that cost $1000/foot ten years ago and he had 24 feet.

Wouldn't it be nice to just not to ever have to worry about what the cable is doing in your system; to have it reliably always be completely neutral, without it being an investment?

To understand how balanced lines are supposed to work, look at it this way:

With RCA cables, the sound of the cable is dependent on its construction, which might cost quite a lot.

With balanced line, if the standard is supported, the equipment is doing the heavy lifting rather than the cable. This results in plug and play.

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,870 posts
 

The wonderful thing about cables is that they’re incredibly easy to buy and sell used.

Yes easy to buy new then easy to sell for a significant loss. I see so many pricey second hand wires on hifi sites these days!  It would seem there is an abundance of bad investments accumulating out there over time.   Wires do tend to be relatively durable compared to electronics over time so there is that.

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