XLR versus RCA

[DelClark]

Hi All,
I am about to get a Cambridge Audio EXN100 streamer to match my EXA amp.
I have a question for the team regarding connection.

1} I would need to get cables to connect them (RCA or XLR, I have already discounted a digital connection), so would XLR connection have any advantages over the standard RCA ?
If you think XLR would be better, are there any recommendations for one that does not require a mortgage to purchase.
My gut feeling is that a decent (QED, Cambridge audio etc} RCA would be ok.

2) There is the ability to use the EXN100 as a preamp to the EXA100, would this be worth while to do ?
If not then I may consider the CXN100 instead and save myself £800, although I think the EXN100 would look a bit better in the rack (I like matching things) and will probably sound a bit better.
That said I currently stream through a budget streamer (Majority Fitzwilliam) as I wanted to see if streaming was for me, and have been quite impressed at the sound, either streaming through Spotify or internet radio.

I now realise that my CD player may now be redundant (TT likewise) as I am loving streaming...

Many thanks
Del

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

1) I think your gut feeling on cables is the way to go - although there will be different views here.

2) I can't see why you would use it as a pre-amp for an integrated amp, but expect someone will come up with a non-real world example as to why. Whether you want to save £800 in order to constantly be thinking "they don't match" is a mental hurdle you'll need to consider the ability to conquer.