Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions RCA to XLR

It's amazing how much better it sounds with the XLR cable.







Because now it's making sound at all.

Balanced = Veil Lifted

Mark -- very intriguing. Are you referring to an all-else-equal scenario (same equipment, but only altering the mode of connection; also, level matched)? I assume the connection you're talking about is from a balance preamp to an outboard amp (or perhaps a sub with one built in)? How long a run of cable is the balanced interconnect you're referring to?

I have a notion of moving at some point in the future (several years from now if ever) to a Marantz pre with balanced outs, and separate mono amps at the location of my mains and center (VP180 and m80s, V4). One wonders if this would be a "real" upgrade (noticeable in the sound) vs. a "vanity" upgrade (and there are more moving parts in the equation than just the balanced signal). BUT .. I have prewired all locations for signal level (balanced) and amplified (speaker cable) alternatives, so it is of interest to hear your thoughts & some details on the context.

Cheers - SQ

Sorry, SQ, it was just a joke. Ken hates the terminology of a "Veil Lifted".

Hook, line, sinker!

Yes. it was one of the pitfalls that I fell into.

But then again, i will say that XLR did do wonders for my sub woofer installs. Over a short run they don't really make any difference at all assuming that you have a clean ground,

I have seen people who believe that placing a mono block amp right next to the speaker so that the speaker cable is as short as it possible can be, then XLR can be a god sent. But then again it's those types of people who also believe that they can hear a difference between $1/m 12 gague speaker cable, and custom 99.999% oxygen free custom cables at $2500/m

Matt, Thanks.

That's my idea .. Do the 30' run from rack to mains over xlr, then power mono (outlaw m2200) & attach a short run (2') of speaker cable.

It is elegant (I think), but who knows if it really affects things much in the end if already starting from a solid system (& this is a multi-variable change-up). In any event, the idea of taking load for the front 3 off of the combo amp & getting some extra headroom seems more or less sensible.

Anyway, I'm definitely in the cables from monoprice camp. But, I can also appreciate elegant & well engineered electronics for their intrinsic beauty, even if gains are marginal. Not sure that is consistent, but oh well!

SQ