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Post by fritz on Jul 14, 2017 8:19:02 GMT -5
Ill explain. It is such a PITA to pull out the system and rewire. I know my own ears can discern the difference in the SQ.
BUT......... it takes so long to change the interconnects that it makes it difficult to detect whether the Bluejean rca or the guitar center xlr for balanced are better sound quality. Any opinions on this? All short runs. Just remember...
opinions are like elbows and *bleep*, everybody has them!
My equipment is as follows.
XPA5 Gen 2 bi amped front L&R and center
Outlaw 5000 surround and back
XMC-1 pre-pro
ps4
panny 4k player
WOW cable (that doesn't mean wow its great)
Amazon fire tv box
B&W CDM 9nt L&R modified with quality caps in xovers
B&W LCR 600 center quality caps xover
B&W 603 s3 surround (gonna replace with CDM snt surrounds for aesthetic purposes)
Monoprice ceiling for backs
(2) Outlaw ultra-x12 subs
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Post by sahmen on Jul 14, 2017 8:37:42 GMT -5
I'll say go XLR, simply because I make that my default choice whenever a component offers both XLR and RCA options. In my experience, the XLR almost always sounds better, in such situations, if a difference in performance is called for by the components, especially, where one is dealing with differentially balanced topologies... I also find XLR connections to be more secure and tidy personally... I was also going to say they are not necessarily more expensive than the RCA types, but I am not familiar with the comparative pricing structures of Blue Jeans and Guitar Center, so I shall let you be the judge of that
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Post by 405x5 on Jul 14, 2017 8:56:44 GMT -5
Don't sweat it.
Keep what you've got....it won't make any difference except to create ANOTHER box 📦 of unused wires.
By the way I have your firebox in the stick version (latest one)
That's a great device, especially for a flat screen with outdated apps. On board.
Bill
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Post by mgbpuff on Jul 14, 2017 9:12:26 GMT -5
So,don't do it! I like the better connection afforded by the XLR cables even on short runs where noise is unlikely and, if I paid extra for components that have balanced connections, then I feel I have wasted money if I don't take advantage of that feature. Better SQ on short runs is probably not going to be apparent; on longer runs, yes.
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Post by RichGuy on Jul 14, 2017 9:16:29 GMT -5
Given a choice I will always use XLR cables when possible they are just nicer all around, more robust, better noise protection, generally simpler to install and remove. The best XLR connectors are Neutrik brand, the best wire to use is Mogami and you can get extremely high quality XLR cables without spending a lot of money. ProAudioLA is an excellent source for XLR cables www.proaudiola.com/XLR-microphone-cables-s/169.htmFor multiple cable connections XLR snake cables are excellent. www.proaudiola.com/multi-channel-snakes-s/20.htm |
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Post by mshump on Jul 14, 2017 9:28:55 GMT -5
I would definitely go XLR. Much better connections and noise rejection. In my 2 channel system I changed out to XLR and could here a difference in SQ, Was it drastic? No, but enough that I could hear it.
Mark
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Post by 405x5 on Jul 14, 2017 9:55:52 GMT -5
Let's talk about NOISE first....rather than rca vs. XLR.
If a systems got noise or hum......something issue.....
Most of us are going to work the problem (grounding or other) equipment etc. could be a well pump motor, just as an example.
And that is because swapping interconnects rarely corrects the issue, unless you HAVE a bad interconnect.
The other point is, IF there are no unusual noise issues then a high quality RCA is BOTH simpler AND BETTER than it's XLR counterpart!
No third wire, no lock mechanism, swapping....on short runs 2 meter or less, you just can't beat'em.
Bill
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Post by millst on Jul 14, 2017 10:19:34 GMT -5
Oh, another RCA vs XLR thread. That's what the Internet needed...
-tm
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Post by RichGuy on Jul 14, 2017 10:32:29 GMT -5
Let's talk about NOISE first....rather than rca vs. XLR. If a systems got noise or hum......something issue..... Most of us are going to work the problem (grounding or other) equipment etc. could be a well pump motor, just as an example. And that is because swapping interconnects rarely corrects the issue, unless you HAVE a bad interconnect. The other point is, IF there are no unusual noise issues then a high quality RCA is BOTH simpler AND BETTER than it's XLR counterpart! No third wire, no lock mechanism, swapping....on short runs 2 meter or less, you just can't beat'em. Bill No, XLR connectors are superior to RCA connectors. Also noise can be introduced to your system in many ways both related to your system as well as coming from elsewhere in your home, wiring or even your neighborhood and unwanted noise is not always introduced by problems that you can fix, it can come from many sources and of course if problems exist it is always best to fix the problems if you are able to. |
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Post by 405x5 on Jul 14, 2017 11:06:10 GMT -5
Let's talk about NOISE first....rather than rca vs. XLR. If a systems got noise or hum......something issue..... Most of us are going to work the problem (grounding or other) equipment etc. could be a well pump motor, just as an example. And that is because swapping interconnects rarely corrects the issue, unless you HAVE a bad interconnect. The other point is, IF there are no unusual noise issues then a high quality RCA is BOTH simpler AND BETTER than it's XLR counterpart! No third wire, no lock mechanism, swapping....on short runs 2 meter or less, you just can't beat'em. Bill "Also noise can be introduced to your system in many ways both related to your system as well as coming from elsewhere in your home"....... I said similar in my post......! Read it again please, as you are missing the point. Xlrs are necessary and required for many applications that have been rehashed here a Kazillion times. This original poster made it perfectly clear, he's got a setup with short runs (very short) back there. Wants to know if he should swap. And I maintain, (we agree to disagree) a high quality RCA is simpler therefore better than its XLR counterpart UNLESS the need for the third wire exists. (Usually very long runs in industrial applications. Bill |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jul 14, 2017 11:31:34 GMT -5
No, XLR connectors are superior to RCA connectors... Some very well-regarded electronics designers (Conrad-Johnson, Schiit, etc.) disagree with you. For stage use, where there's an inherently high-noise environment - no argument. XLRs are mandatory. But for low-noise home use and with interconnect lengths of 3 feet instead of 30 or 300? I don't think such a blanket statement is justified. |
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XLR or RCA
Jul 14, 2017 11:55:40 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by 405x5 on Jul 14, 2017 11:55:40 GMT -5
Oh, another RCA vs XLR thread. That's what the Internet needed... -tm I know you're right! I should not add to the fire 🔥 ( must have a persecution complex). Bill |
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Post by RichGuy on Jul 14, 2017 12:48:50 GMT -5
"Also noise can be introduced to your system in many ways both related to your system as well as coming from elsewhere in your home"....... I said similar in my post......! Read it again please, as you are missing the point. Xlrs are necessary and required for many applications that have been rehashed here a Kazillion times. This original poster made it perfectly clear, he's got a setup with short runs (very short) back there. Wants to know if he should swap. And I maintain, (we agree to disagree) a high quality RCA is simpler therefore better than its XLR counterpart UNLESS the need for the third wire exists. (Usually very long runs in industrial applications. Bill What I said was entirely different, my point being unwanted noise comes from many sources so wires with better noise rejection are a good thing. XLR has better noise rejection it is much better for very long runs but it's still better in short runs as well, just not as much as a necessity. My longest XLR's are 20 foot 8 channel snake cables, my shortest are 18 inch single XLR cables. Plain and simple XLR is a better connector than RCA, it is also very simple, just better engineered, which is why it is the professional choice which originated with it's onstage and studio use. It's connection is basically the same but the XLR connector is better designed in overall strength, less wear and tear with ON and OFF use, locking to be tight yet simple easy slip ON/OFF never too tight or too loose. While many higher end RCA cables can fit so tightly they often break the female RCA input connectors. Emotiva now mostly uses much better RCA inputs but their first Gen break very easily. An XLR connection normally has 3 wires, this is necessary for a differential balanced connection when it's available, a differential balanced connection has far superior noise rejection. However the 3 wires are normally used in a twisted configuration which can also help with noise rejection when not in a differential balanced system. I always prefer XLR connections when available, no matter the length and no matter if the components are differential balanced. |
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Post by repeetavx on Jul 14, 2017 13:08:20 GMT -5
I've never damaged an XLR connector simply by unplugging it. I can't say the same about RCA connectors, no matter how careful I was.
On the other hand, if you like your sound, keep it the way it is. I doubt you would hear any difference.
Disclaimer: All of my interconnects are XLR.
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Post by 405x5 on Jul 14, 2017 13:24:22 GMT -5
[quote author=" RichGuy" "Plain and simple XLR is a better connector than RCA" DIFFERENT.......NOT BETTER !! Oh well.... I'm not getting through here, but it's ok 👌 What's needed depends on the install, that's all. In circles we could go forever. By the way, the RCA inputs on my XMC1 are the finest I've ever come across. One meter run to my 2000 watt amp. Stone dead silence.....until the show starts and I refuse to fix what ain't broke.😜 Bill |
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XLR or RCA
Jul 14, 2017 13:37:31 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by 405x5 on Jul 14, 2017 13:37:31 GMT -5
I do have a 12 foot XLR run for the Subwoofer, but that was originally an RCA sub. Cable.
In this case I had a valid reason ( from an electrical standpoint) for making the swap.
From continued troubleshooting, the problem was corrected (I had noise that proved to be a problem elsewhere)
I have kept the XLR in place, but with the noise issue corrected, there is no difference in the subwoofer performance with either cable.
Bill
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Post by sahmen on Jul 14, 2017 15:31:26 GMT -5
Oh, another RCA vs XLR thread. That's what the Internet needed... -tm I know you're right! I should not add to the fire 🔥 ( must have a persecution complex). Bill Hey, what will this hobby be without a few occasional endless merry-go-rounds, such as the present one about interconnects, and the ones about cables in general, even if the debates never get anywhere? I say embrace the fire, and enjoy the passion    |
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Post by RichGuy on Jul 14, 2017 15:41:31 GMT -5
By the way, the RCA inputs on my XMC1 are the finest I've ever come across. They are very good, not the finest I have but they are very good, yes the new RCA inputs were a good improvement by Emotiva. My XPA-5 which has the old style was received new from Emotiva with a bad RCA input for one channel which Emotiva was excellent at taking care of by sending a replacement XPA-5 along with a prepaid return label to return the damaged one. The Emotiva old style RCA inputs are among the worst/weakest I have seen. As far as signal transfer there is no difference of quality between what you can get RCA or XLR won't matter that's just the quality of the connector quality itself no difference in it being RCA or XLR. But XLR connectors are superior for their durability at the connection especially the input the RCA itself. RCA's often are too tight that they can break inputs especially the thin crimped style, the thick screw on style RCA inputs are usually pretty strong but still can vary in tightness sometimes being tight or loose in the RCA. XLR connectors are a better design that eliminates these problems with an easy slip fit and very robust at both the connector and the input. Neutrik XLR connectors are very high quality yet very inexpensive as well. I'd prefer XLR connections just for their general robustness over RCA. Then there's the better noise rejection of XLR cables. |
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Post by Gary Cook on Jul 14, 2017 15:48:18 GMT -5
Personally changing from short RCA (0.5metre) to short XLR there was no difference in the introduced noise or the sound quality. Same amp as yours XPA-5.
Changing from a long RCA (5 metres) to long XLR there was an elimination of one intermittent and very soft (almost unnoticeable) noise, from the ice maker in the fridge. There's a first world problem. Power amps were XPA-1L's. Sound quality wise maybe a very tiny improvement.
Opinion, for connecting fully balanced/discrete components (in my case XSP-1 to XPA-1L's) XLR balanced is the go, it completes/compliments the design. So unless you have an introduced noise problem I seriously doubt that you will notice any difference.
Cheers
Gary
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XLR or RCA
Jul 14, 2017 16:35:36 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by 405x5 on Jul 14, 2017 16:35:36 GMT -5
[quote author=" RichGuy" "XLR connectors are superior for their durability at the connection especially the input the RCA itself. RCA's often are too tight that they can break inputs ........" Wrong wrong once again The discussion would be comparing these two types of connectors of EQUAL BUILD quality not old style rca. Sure, very easy to trash RCA out of context like anything else. Bill |
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