XLR-XLR vs XLR-RCA

ben62670

Well I had to do this test before I changed my system over. I am comparing custom XLR-RCA wires made with 24ga silver wire with Teflon insulation to XLR-XLR regular microphone cable. Right away I got a 10db boost on the volume nob. I used to run +8db now I have to run -2 to -4 to not over power my amp. I also had to run +2 on the treble. Before I would hit 117db max from my seat. XLR-XLR now I hit 120db from my seat. The sound stage was a little better, and the mids, and highs were more open. This is all with crappy cheap Mic cables. It made enough difference to make me want to build some silver XLR-XLR cables. I was pretty surprised at the out come of this test. I did not expect to get the SQ boost I got with the cheap cables. I will post again after I do the new XLR-XLR silver IC's.

Ben

Adcom GFA-5800 50k inputs, and 2 volts for max output. XLR specs unknown.

BlueMDPicker

Ben,

I use these balanced silver ICs (and his bi-wire speaker cables) in my Carver/ESL system and love them. The guy is down your way as well:

http://www.audiopartsinc.com/INTERCONNECTCABLES.HTM

Systems

Ben,It might prove interesting if you were able to match levels between the balanced and unbalanced connections.Then do some comparisons to see if their is still an audible difference between the two types connections beyond just the increased output level of XLR outputs.Besides greater immunity to noise most (not all)balanced outputs have 6db more gain than the standard unbalanced RCA's outs.

btw,Im not saying there would not be a difference just curious as to how much.

ben62670

Well I definitely know for sure that the cables make more of a difference than a boost in db. I had to turn down the treble to get it to sound right. I will do a more comprehensive comparison when both IC's are made with the same cables.
Thanks guys for the input. BMD those are some great prices at that link.
Ben