XLR vs RCA for Halo A21

[playback]

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:)

[TG Meat]

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.

[playback]

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.

[mopar paul]

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.

[polkfarmboy]

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

[polkatese]

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.

[TECHNOKID]

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 plugI 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?

[Hawkeye]

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!

Gordon

[dane_peterson]

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.

[TECHNOKID]

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

[dane_peterson]

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.

[chuckt62]

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 (--).

[ShinAce]

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.