XLR vs. RCA difference and benefits?

garnier
garnier Posts: 116
edited February 2011 in Speakers
How important is it to have XLR pre-amp outputs instead of RCA outputs in sound qulalities? Would it make a difference when the length is 6 ft long and about 1 ft away from a major AC power cord? :confused:
Post edited by garnier on
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  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited June 2008
    From what I could gleam from this thread(below) it isn't that noticable, unless you're going into GA-GA land $$$

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68299&highlight=Balanced
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
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  • ward91
    ward91 Posts: 338
    edited June 2008
    the only real + i can think of for that dist is that a propper ground may eliminate any ground hum ect.
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited June 2008
    A balanced connection can help with eliminating or reducing hum and line noise. I wouldn't buy for that feature, but if the component I was looking has them, I would use the XLR connections.
    Jake
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited June 2008
    Ed Zachry. If got it--use it, but don't break the bank buying into it.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • garnier
    garnier Posts: 116
    edited June 2008
    I see. Thank you for your comments and the link.

    Can I use XLR's for 7 channels, and an RCA pre-amp out just for the subwoofer, because I do not have an XLR input for my sub? In this case, it would be a mixure of mostly XLR pre-amp outs and one RCA pre-amp out from the back of a pre-amplifier/processor? Thank you! :)
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited June 2008
    That'll work fine.
    Jake
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited February 2011
    Reported.

    My first reported post. Guess I am moving up in the Polk Forum world.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited February 2011
    I think you turned evil with your 666th post:eek:
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • lakesailor
    lakesailor Posts: 319
    edited February 2011
    If it is a truly balanced amplifier then there will likely be a 6dB difference in the signal level between the XLR and single ended (RCA) connection standards. Some manufacturers adjust the gain difference to compensate for this difference and others either do not, or do not do a very effective job at it. As a result you often hear a “difference” between running balanced and single ended cabling that is more related to the differences in the gain then anything else.

    Also be aware that sometimes you can get more connection loading with an XLR cable that can cause a spike in your pre-amp, although that is more common working with commercial amps. Odds are with a 6’ run you will be just fine with single ended (RCA) connectors.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,348
    edited February 2011
    I love my XLR's. Cleaned up the sound and a little gain, the only the only thing is mine were expensive using MIT's but glad I have them and paid for!!!
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

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  • On3s&Z3r0s
    On3s&Z3r0s Posts: 1,013
    edited February 2011
    Hey, there's some benefit to the spam incursion after all... it's resurrecting three year old threads for us to debate and discuss! Ahhh, spam. :biggrin:
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