Balanced Interconnects

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deuter

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I wanted to know what your views were on expensive branded XLR cables.
I know we all can hear the difference but have read that its quite more subtle compared to unbalanced interconnects.
This is because the shielding in RCA interconnects actually transmit the signal, whereas in balanced interconnects that is not the case.

I know there is no right or wrong answer so want to know about your experience and knowledge on the topic.

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In my experience there is very little difference (if any) between the RCA and XLR in terms of magnitude of a difference in sound quality.
 
Also keep in mind what the superior connection is on the particular component you are using. Unfortunately, the single-ended connection on some components these days is almost an afterthought. Do your research.

Ken
 
Balanced interconnect systems (it's not just the cable) can solve RCA hum & noise problems. They are more useful in long interconnects, especally when the equipment is powered by two different AC circuits.

Chose XLR interconnects that use a Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) made by a major bulk cable manufacture like Belden, Canare or Mogami. It takes big expensive machines to make quality bulk cables. For connectors use Neutrik or Switchcraft.
 
it all depends how the unit is built.
it needs to be fully symetric to gain any advantage with xlr and thats rarely the case.
quiet some manufactors use transformers at the xlr input.
i do belive in most cases rca is better. i got to admit this is not based on experiance.
guess best is to ask the manufactor in every single case. or testing if you can afford both types.
nagra recommends rca for theyr classic line, and audionet recommends strongly rca, even for theyr fully symetric heisenberg/stern combo.
 
Alpinist said:
Also keep in mind what the superior connection is on the particular component you are using. Unfortunately, the single-ended connection on some components these days is almost an afterthought. Do your research.

Ken
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Really agree with this. It depends on the component's design. Some components are based on a fully balanced design throughout. It doesn't just stop at the input or output (where balanced connectivity is often offered primarily as an accommodation). A fully balanced component is obviously more expensive to build. And I love the locking feature of balanced connectors. On the other hand, single ended has the advantage of simplicity and lower cost.
 
Hold on.
A balanced interconnect system is one thing and a fully balanced internal circuit is another very different thing.
Lets not get into an apples and oranges discussion.

The internal circuit design of a component has nothing to do with the advantages of a balanced interconnect system.
 
Speedskater said:
Hold on.
A balanced interconnect system is one thing and a fully balanced internal circuit is another very different thing.
Lets not get into an apples and oranges discussion.

The internal circuit design of a component has nothing to do with the advantages of a balanced interconnect system.
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That is right..

Sometimes we use Balanced connections but internally the circuit topology is not really fully Balanced....

I´ve read something about that in Facebook McIntosh Group.. it seems that for C2XXX Pre Amplifiers the internal circuit is not totally balanced designed circuit.

Regretfully my technical knowledge do not allow me to really understand the internal circuit topology.

I´m sure that somebody here can explain it better.

Regards,
 
Speedskater said:
Hold on.
A balanced interconnect system is one thing and a fully balanced internal circuit is another very different thing.
Lets not get into an apples and oranges discussion.

The internal circuit design of a component has nothing to do with the advantages of a balanced interconnect system.
Click to expand...

They are related. A fully balanced component will not have to do internal conversions from balanced inputs to single ended for internal processing and from single ended internal processing to balanced for balanced outputs.
 
GSOphile said:
They are related. A fully balanced component will not have to do internal conversions from balanced inputs to single ended for internal processing and from single ended internal processing to balanced for balanced outputs.
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+1, very well explained
and to add, there are vaious quality level of transformers to do this process. with the best ones you probably wont realise it.
 
Back to my original post, best to choose XLR or RCA connection based on your individual components. A component will usually perform better on one or the other. Sometimes XLR and sometimes RCA. Sometimes even “Zeel”. Don’t want this to turn into an argument over which is better. Both have their merits.

Ken
 
GSOphile said:
They are related. A fully balanced component will not have to do internal conversions from balanced inputs to single ended for internal processing and from single ended internal processing to balanced for balanced outputs.
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Well no.
The design, manufacturing and cost challenges of a fully balanced internal circuit far outweigh the easy conversion circuit design.
 
So you are asking if the differences in sound of cables are as noticeable in XLR as they are with RCA? My experience in the few XLR brands I've used is, yes.

From what I understand there isn't any real advantage to using XLR cables if the gear isn't differentially balanced. The XLR is just a tap off the circuit to allow that type of connection for convenience.

When connecting two differentially balanced components the XLR connection should be used for optimum performance. I know there are some gear that will convert but I still have my doubts as to whether that is as good.
 
So you are asking if the differences in sound of cables are as noticeable in XLR as they are with RCA? My experience in the few XLR brands I've used is, yes.

From what I understand there isn't any real advantage to using XLR cables if the gear isn't differentially balanced. The XLR is just a tap off the circuit to allow that type of connection for convenience.

When connecting two differentially balanced components the XLR connection should be used for optimum performance. I know there are some gear that will convert but I still have my doubts as to whether that is as good.
 
same question asked over @ Audiocircle. Lets wait a couple days and compare answers ..........
 
IMO there is no definitive answer that will apply in all cases. It depends on the execution/matching of the components involved and perhaps the environment. And in some cases there will be no audible differences.
 
Thanks All, I can say the XLR cables do sound different.
I bought a couple of Transparent Music Wave Plus Cables and so far I believe I should I have done this a while back.
We spend so much time and money in upgrading the components when a simple interconnect upgrade is where the benefit is at.
 
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