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XLR Connectors

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Posted on July 23, 2014 at 11:04:26
davidbeinct
Audiophile

Posts: 182
Location: SE CT
Joined: June 20, 2014
 I use XLR connectors from Blue Jeans cable to go from my pre-amp to my amp. Don't really have a choice for source cables, as the DAC is in the pre (Parasound P-5) and the TT is currently constrained by the cables attached to it. I'm not going to bother to change them until I change the arm. As for getting the data out of the computer and into the DAC, I use a Belkin Gold USB, which while not from an audiophile company, was a reference cable at TAS for several years.

My understanding is XLR, if available, tends to be the way to go, and that XLR cables for whatever reason don't offer much in the way of "tweakability" if I can make that word up.

Is that the understanding of most here? Would it be worthwhile looking at audiophile grade XLR interconnects? The P5 feeds a Parasound A23, for what it's worth, and the last end of the chain is Alon Black Orpheus tri-wire cables to the Alon Model IV speakers.

 

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RE: XLR Connectors, posted on July 23, 2014 at 20:37:18
Duster
Manufacturer

Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 25, 2002
 Audiophile quality XLR connectors are certainly a worthwhile thing to explore. The only thing that makes a balanced interface more special than a single ended interface is the balanced I/O circuity at each end. That said, the sonic benefit of a high-performance XLR connector is equal to that of a single ended rca connector.

 

RE: XLR Connectors, posted on July 27, 2014 at 10:20:00
mitch2
Audiophile

Posts: 1521
Location: Great Lakes
Joined: August 28, 2001
 Balanced circuitry through balanced cables has inherent benefits related to noise cancellation and, sometimes the cables are better made since both legs of the cable will be the same (e.g., a balanced cable) and the cable will not use a shield to serve double duty and carry the negative signal. If your RCA-terminated cables are a balanced design (without the shield carrying the negative signal), I wouldn't sweat it. I have owned many good sounding single-ended components and, some folks say they like the sound of single-ended cables best. The whole thing is really system dependent. IMO, you are not going to fix a bad sounding system by switching to balanced cables and the only reason to try switching would be if both the source and load components are balanced AND you don't think your system sounds as good as it should. Don't expect miracles.

 

Wires matter XLR Connectors: Any $4 Neutrik with gold or silver plated pins is as good as any Mega $$$ XLR, posted on July 28, 2014 at 05:36:22
Nuit
 For XLR IC the wires matter. Good wires can sound better.
As for the connectors. Basic XLR are very well made devices. Neutrik has the market and are the best stock conecctors. So any $3 or $3 Neutrik with gold plated (or silver plated) pins is going to be good. The uber expensiive XLR from Cardas or Furutech are not going to improve the sound for any normal aftermarket wires used with them.
I would suggest Kimber Hero for a good set of premade wires with XLR ends. If you wanted a minor upgrade.
The Bluejeans cables you have are just fine.

 

RE: XLR Connectors, posted on July 28, 2014 at 23:25:32
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 My signal chain is DAC, a CA DACMagic+ to MY P5 using Mogami Studio Gold XLR.

I don't see much need to go to 'megabuck' cables from that level. Current price for the 6 footer is about 43$ per.
Too much is never enough

 

RE: XLR Connectors, posted on July 29, 2014 at 05:44:38
davidbeinct
Audiophile

Posts: 182
Location: SE CT
Joined: June 20, 2014
 To derail my own thread, do you find the outboard DAC a big improvement over the internal DAC in your P5?

 

RE: XLR Connectors, posted on July 29, 2014 at 12:29:49
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 I use the P5 DAC only for optical FROM the small dish receiver. That is a 32khz feed.
The DAC section of the P5 is good, but no world beater. I think it is 'bested' by my CA DACMagic+. I couldn't say by 'how much'. However, the DM+ has output filter choices which I'll let you look up. All more critical sound goes thru the external DAC. Like from CD or BR Audio.

The P5's DAC is better than a throw away added feature but not as good as a stand alone at a price point rivaling that of the preamp itself.

The stereophile test and people are much more critical than I. My big dislike of the preamp? All those clicking relays!
Too much is never enough

 

RE: XLR Connectors, posted on July 30, 2014 at 11:04:03
davidbeinct
Audiophile

Posts: 182
Location: SE CT
Joined: June 20, 2014
 Thanks for your opinion. I definitely agree about the clicking relays, only real sore spot for me on an otherwise excellent piece. Looked to me like John Atkinson in Stereophile was more critical based on measurements than the reviewer, who seemed pretty impressed with the internal DAC, much more in line with your comments. Since I also still spin vinyl, I like having both available to me.

 

RE: XLR Connectors, posted on August 4, 2014 at 12:15:51
loftarasa
Audiophile

Posts: 9
Joined: June 25, 2013
 I've got/tried a ton of XLR cables (all using standard Neutriks), including Audience AU24E, Mogami, Belden, Canare, and the wire/cable makes more difference than the connectors. Put another way, the difference the connectors makes is of vastly diminishing returns, but hey, if you find a cable you like and can justify the expense, go ahead.

 

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