Audioquest XLR connectors
 

I borrowed a pair AQ Fire interconnects for a demo. I’ve never owned AQ balanced cables before. I am having difficulty plugging the male connectors into my ARC Ref 5se inputs. They seem to be too big and don’t fit. Maybe I need to force them in but I experience the same difficulty if I try to plug them into the balanced inputs of my amps as well. Is this something specific with AQ XLR connectors? Thank you in advance for help...

AS XLRs
 

I have had both an ARC 5&6. DOEs on both. My biggest problem was aligning the holes in the proper attitude. Was an eyesight technicality. They will insert.