XLR or RCA for long runs (5M)?

[PMCH]

Dan, thanks for the info. I like the XLR connection better but my RCA cable sounds much better to me - must just be a better cable that I am hearing. In that short length I would think both XLR and RCA should sound the same if they are the same cable. They are the same price with either connection, so I guess I can't go wrong with the balanced XLR.

[junker]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Paul.......The balanced input and output connectors on your McIntosh C2300 are true balanced connectors.

Originally Posted by PMCH

I like the XLR connection better but my RCA cable sounds much better to me - must just be a better cable that I am hearing. In that short length I would think both XLR and RCA should sound the same if they are the same cable. They are the same price with either connection, so I guess I can't go wrong with the balanced XLR.

The connectors are, but balanced XLR input on the 2300 will need to be converted to unbalanced so I don't know if it there is a clear winner one way or another.

If your K-03 is truly balanced then I'd probably suggest you go for XLR even with the conversion at the 2300 because if you use an unbalanced there would be a conversion at the K-03 and no conversion at the 2300. Either way there would be a single unbalanced<->balanced conversion. But with the XLR you get the higher voltage and a differential, noise rejecting interconnect. And, of course, XLR connectors are just a better connector. IMHO. Obviously, it would great if you could compare the same cable type and go with what sounds best to you. XLR XLR... ;D

[Rod#S]

If running a relatively short length, making it a toss up between the two, would the locking nature of XLR's be better than the typical locking RCA? If that's the case then XLR might always be the better option.

[enit]

What will happen if an RCA is ran for more than 10m? Will there be humming noises from the system?

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by enit

What will happen if an RCA is ran for more than 10m? Will there be humming noises from the system?

Decreasing SNR and, possibly, some HF loss.