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Abbatron XLR Connectors




Image: Abbatron / HH Smith XLR Connectors - Gold Plated Tellurium Copper/Beryllium Copper Base Metals

Here's another XLR connector recommendation. This time, it's an audiophile-quality XLR connector that sounds quite different than the EIZZ XLR connectors mentioned before.

It may look like a Neutrik or Switchcraft XLR connector, but it's not. To my ear, the Abbatron XLR connector is a better performing option at a similar price point, since the fundamental design of the Abbatron XLR connector has more in common with audiophile notions of signal purity based on superior conductivity. Other than that, the cast zinc XLR connector body, plastic shell, and unknown dielectric are essentially the same as what Neutrik and Switchcraft products offer. However, the connector contacts feature tellurium copper or beryllium copper base metals rather than brass or bronze.

The audiophile presentation is quite different, since the presentation of the Abbatron XLR connectors is far more focused and streamlined in terms of tonality, with a more assertive and upfront soundstage vs. a more diffuse if not lackluster sound of Neutrik XLRs (both gold plated and silver plated versions), with the gold plated Neutrik XLR sounding too bloated and polite, and the silver plated Neutrik XLR sounding too lean if not sterile in comparison. Both seem mediocre in comparison. I figure the notion of an audiophile XLR connector is overdue to be discussed in Cable Asylum, even though Cardas and Xhadow have both offered high-performance XLR connector options for quite some time now.

The difference between the Abbatron XLR connectors and the EIZZ XLR connectors is the Abbatron XLR connectors present an increased level of speed, with minimal tonal bloom, while the EIZZ XLR connectors present a richer and more relaxed presentation, with more body and texture than the Abbatron XLR connectors present. Without opining about which connector is superior, it would be best for a listener to compare them for themselves, since synergy can be found via different cables and system configurations, including an individual listener's taste.

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Edits: 03/27/19

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Topic - Abbatron XLR Connectors - Duster 21:54:16 01/22/17 (5)

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