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 Non Balanced audiophile RCA interconnects .They are produced in vast Qtys every year

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 out ideal perhaps into actives….

My EX combo is very very good and extremely price competitive for the performance. You will NOT be disappointed….

 

[daytona600]

In general any cable terminated in XLR plugs is going to be more expensive than the same terminated in RCA plugs.

IMHO used been fully balanced Analogue / Digital source to speakers & full cable loom cost a faction of audiophile cables
Best gold plated XLR connectors and pure silver cables £100 per cable , Hifi Rca would be £1,000s each
Pro cables & connectors are produced millions of meters every year
Single Large concert could use 1,000kms of cables & 1000s of connectors

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

Designacable do good sensibly priced interconnects.
I have some NAIM DIN from them.
I do like CHORD too.

 

[nopiano]

The opinion of someone who has tried the actual combination is instructive. Thanks to @The_Lecht_Rocks

Generally, I’d be like @Gray and tend to prefer the balanced XLR option where it's available. However, not all XLR outputs are created equal. It took me a while to understand that some are piggybacked onto the unbalanced outputs using poor circuitry. Others use transformers which may or may not improve matching.

Accordingly, quite a few XLR equipped devices are preferred using regular RCA phono connections. And the benefits of balanced connections are rarely noticeable at dom3stic lengths of an metre or so. Unfortunately, it’s hard to predict without a bit of experimentation, while mindful that output levels can swamp tiny differences elsewhere.

However, I’ve had great results with balanced connections from Designacable, who have a great website. As above, you can’t go wrong with Neutrik connectors and Van Damme cable - in any colour you want!

 

[Vincent Kars]

XLR is most about rugged reliability. You have a hot (the signal), a cold (the inverse of the signal) and a signal ground.
At the receiver the hot and the cold are compared and any difference is removed (common noise rejection). This makes XLR ideal for a busy environment where tons of gear are active. Any spike picked up on the way is simply eliminated at the receiver.
It also uses a higher voltage (4.2 as a minimum ) so you can cover long distance e.g. performer on stage, sound and light in the back of the theater.
As they use signal ground, it might save you a ground loop to.
Typical the professionals choice.
At home you are not in such a polluted EMI/RFI environment. Neither do you have to cover long distances. So RCA will do.

If you go to the local guitar shop, you will find out that XLR sells at very decent prices. If you want to blow some money because you believe in the cable magic, don't buy audiophile cables. Buy good ones e.g. Mogami or Canare terminated with Neutrik, Amphenol, etc.

 

[nopiano]

Designacable do good sensibly priced interconnects.
I have some NAIM DIN from them.
I do like CHORD too.

Looks like I seconded your choice!