The value of XLR interconnects

[Al ears]

I am soon to get a pre amp / power amp combo that can be connected using balanced XLR interconnects.

It has been suggested that there is little point in doing so unless all ancillary items (CD etc) are connected using XLR's as well.

Is this the case in your opinion? Should I just stick to phono interconnects?

Your help would be much appreciated (and probably save me a bob or two!)

 

[Anonymous]

Not true.

The most important connection to be connected via XLRs is the pre-amp to power-amp connection.

The logic runs thus: Between the Source and pre-amp you have a constant voltage connection between 2-2.5v but between the pre-amp and power-amp you have much much lower voltages rendering their connection cables much more vulnerable to RFI interference. As this is one of the main reasons for using XLR connections, it follows that if you only have them in one part of the chain, it is between pre-amp and power-amp that the improvements will mostly be realised.

Naturally, if you can eventually connect your source this way that's a bonus, but if your amps allow it, definitely use it!

Hope that helps.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks Will.

That has clarified things, unfortunately my current sources are not fitted with XLR outputs.