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.

 

[Al ears]

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.

Agreed that, in this particular set-up the added expenditure for XLR cables is unnecessary.
Again, it's only useful to be able to use something as a preamp if you are pairing with a power amp or active speakers.

 

[Gray]

If you think XLR would be better, are there any recommendations for one that does not require a mortgage to purchase.

Wherever there's the opportunity to to use XLR at both ends, I would.

They don't have to be ridiculously priced.
Have a look at ones that use Neutrik XLR connectors and Van Damme cable.

(Such parts are readily available to make your own if you, or someone you know, can use a soldering iron. Plug pins are always numbered on the connectors - standard wiring diagrams online).

 

[daytona600]

XLR Fully Balanced interconnects are 95% cheaper than audiophile RCA interconnects .They are produced in vast Qtys

Tens of millions Used in every professional recording studio , concert , broadcast , TV , Films etc globally for several decades

XLR balanced are standard fitment only in Hiend audio gear

 

[Jasonovich]

You don't need to pay an arm and a leg for XLR's, over at Amazon they're fairly cheap.
I use the better quality WBC brand, such as Mogami, Canares or Gotham XLR cabling, which you can also get from Amazon, cost approx. £40 per metre.

On short runs you'll probable won't notice difference in sound quality. You'll get higher gain from XLRs. My preference is for balance. XLR's tend to be more robust and better constructed than RCA, especially the Neutrik and Amphenol plugs and there's that satisfying clink when the three pins are firmly inserted into the slot.

 

[Al ears]

XLR Fully Balanced interconnects are 95% cheaper than audiophile RCA interconnects .They are produced in vast Qtys

Used in every professional recording studio , concert , broadcast , TV , Films etc globally for several decades

And in that context they have their place....
In general any cable terminated in XLR plugs is going to be more expensive than the same terminated in RCA plugs.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

I have the EXA EXN combo and have experimented at length with cables and the pre power set up.
I ended up with EXN to EXA on RCA to RCA Analogue out EXN.

Was more bodied with a touch less airiness but very marginal.
Note CA also generally prefer this set up too.. I think there’s a paper on it.
The EXN preamp ideal perhaps into actives