XLR vs RCA for Halo A21

playback
playback Posts: 101
edited June 2010 in 2 Channel Audio
Hi to all, this is my first post here, for you A21 users and anyone who would like to chime in. Are there any benifits on this amp some say it sounds better with xlr anyone try both? I currently have AQ Columbia 48vdbs but will have AQ reterminate them if it is worth the money. thanks in advance:)
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  • TG Meat
    TG Meat Posts: 159
    edited May 2010
    I have this amp and I have tried both connections. I did not find much of a difference in the sound. It seemed, however, that I if I had both the XLR and rca cables pluged in at the same time, it did not sound as good as only one plugged in. I have heard it depends on the distance of the cable run, though. I can say I love the amp...I find it drives my speakers without effort and sounds vey detailed.
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  • playback
    playback Posts: 101
    edited May 2010
    I could'nt agree more It drives my Boston Acoustic E100's with their 89db with ease and finesse beauty and the beast comes to mind.
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  • mopar paul
    mopar paul Posts: 277
    edited May 2010
    I can say that with XLR connectors I found a big difference in the noise floor. I've always been pretty skeptical of cables so trust me on this one! I guess it also depends on many other things in your system, but for me it was worth the money.
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited May 2010
    I will be buying an amp and pre for my M,logans and wonderd the same thing

    When you say floor noise what does that mean?

    Half the amps I'm scouting dont have balanced connections so I think I will loose SQ if I pull the plug
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited May 2010
    I agree with what had been said about the benefit of XLR above.

    Another side benefit for me: less clutter (half the number of individual cables) and lock in feature of XLRs. In a multi-channels Pre/Pro and Power amp setup, these practical benefits are even more apparent.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    polkfarmboy wrote: »
    I will be buying an amp and pre for my M,logans and wonderd the same thing

    When you say floor noise what does that mean?

    Half the amps I'm scouting dont have balanced connections so I think I will loose SQ if I pull the plug
    I think the expression floor noise is more likely related to proffessional equipment used with mixer and microphones. However, the noise is actually the natural unwanted noise created by the electronics which the 3 db gain will allow the sound to override the noise to the point that is not noticeable. Some may chime in with a better explanation perhaps?
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited May 2010
    I prefer a XLR over a RCA. TO get a good feel (sound) of a XLR, try a Mogami Gold XLR from the Guitar Center. A solid wire that is not marked up to be an "audiophile" price!

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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited May 2010
    XLR is typically associated with having a cleaner noise floor as mp stated. It basically means that your "quiet" is "quieter" with XLR as compared to RCA, due to the additional grounding.
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  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    dane_peterson wrote: »
    XLR is typically associated with having a cleaner noise floor as mp stated. It basically means that your "quiet" is "quieter" with XLR as compared to RCA, due to the additional grounding.
    Dane, actually the extra pin is NOT ground it an inverted signal which provide the Lo (and the other signal is high) (one is positive the inverted is negative) thus the reason when the High and Lo are combine provides for the extra 3 db of signal. You are correct about the quiter comment as it is the natural undesirable noise coming from the electronics that is overriden buy this extra 3 db.

    Cheers!
    TK
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited May 2010
    Thanks for the correction.

    I do hope to do an A/B test of RCA vs XLR someday. I've never experienced it myself. OP, I encourage you to try both and decide for yourself. Just buy some XLR cables that are returnable if there's no discernible difference.
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  • chuckt62
    chuckt62 Posts: 33
    edited May 2010
    From the Halo manual:
    The balanced inputs of the A 21 use XLR jacks that conform to the industry standard of:
    Pin 1: Ground, Pin 2: Positive (+), Pin 3: Negative (--).
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  • ShinAce
    ShinAce Posts: 1,194
    edited June 2010
    TECHNOKID wrote: »
    Dane, actually the extra pin is NOT ground it an inverted signal which provide the Lo (and the other signal is high) (one is positive the inverted is negative) thus the reason when the High and Lo are combine provides for the extra 3 db of signal. You are correct about the quiter comment as it is the natural undesirable noise coming from the electronics that is overriden buy this extra 3 db.

    Cheers!
    TK

    Don't forget, 3dB voltage gain is a 6dB speaker gain. The gain you 'hear' is 6dB.
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