RCA to XLR

[kingkip]

Any benefit to running RCA out from pre to an XLR in on an amp?

[zingo]

No. Using a balanced connection like XLR does have its benefits, but since you start with an unbalanced connection, they XLR ends up being unbalanced also. But good thinking!
http://www.headphone.com/images/balancedamp.gif
http://www.headphone.com/images/unbalancedamp2.gif

[kingkip]

That's what I thought. Thanks for the info.

[zingo]

No problem. :)

[obieone]

How much of a benefit is XLR vs. RCA? Cheapest balanced cables I've seen so far are $170/pr. Just trying to figure out if there is HUGE SQ change.

[ben62670]

Cheapest balanced cables I've seen so far are $170/pr. Just trying to figure out if there is HUGE SQ change.

Not mine, and they are Silver.
With my Pre balenced is not much better than unbalenced. Mine is an Outlaw 990.

[Gaara]

How much of a benefit is XLR vs. RCA? Cheapest balanced cables I've seen so far are $170/pr. Just trying to figure out if there is HUGE SQ change.

Wah? A quick google search brings up plenty for less then $20/pr, example (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2285456&cp=&pg=1&searchSort=TRUE&sr=1&retainProdsInSession=1&y=11&origkw=xlr&kw=xlr&x=14&s=A-StorePrice-RSK&parentPage=search).

[ben62670]

Wah? A quick google search brings up plenty for less then $20/pr, example (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2285456&cp=&pg=1&searchSort=TRUE&sr=1&retainProdsInSession=1&y=11&origkw=xlr&kw=xlr&x=14&s=A-StorePrice-RSK&parentPage=search).

I know you were just making a point, but I would not use a super cheap Pro Audio cable in a mid to HiFi system.

[kingkip]

I definately have a lower noise floor with balanced cables; it took out any ground loop hum I had. So in my case, yes, they made a huge difference.

[honda cber]

if you look for high-end mic cables you will get a lot more for your money. (yes, monster cable, lol, but it has 97% copper braided shielding, and is $49.95 for 5' terminated in gold-plated neutrik xlr.)
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Monster-Cable-SP1000-Microphone-Cable?sku=331679

though truly, a balanced cable with good shielding (95% or more) will probably be a good performer, independent of price (obvious caveats apply).

a

[AudioFilet]

My only experience with a balanced rig is with headphones, balanced headphone amp & headset. It is exactly as Zingo's drawing shows it. I use a Headroom Desktop Balanced amp with Sennheiser 650's, with the modified cable. The sound is phenomenal. You can hurt yourself with that rig.