ARC XLR pin s question


I have an ARC CD 3 Mk2 and was wondering what pins in a Balanced IC conform to which? I've been considering ordering a new Balanced set and would like to make sure the wiring would be proper matching as I'm using a Classe integreated amp with it. Classe's pins are wired as follows;
Pin 1- Ground
Pin 2- Positive (non inverted)
Pin 3- Negitive (inverted)
I wouldn't want to order new cables and have them wired mismatched or out of phase. ARC is closed I was wondering if anyone could help with this.
Are all Balanced inputs/outputs for all manufactures wired to the same wiring placement standards?
Thanks for helping in advance.
rsjm80

Showing 2 responses by mofimadness

I have owned lots and lots of ARC gear, (and still own several pieces). I have always used the XLR, (balanced) inputs and outputs when available. I have never had to order any "special" configuration of balanced cables. I would assume that ARC uses the standard pinouts for XLR, which is the way you have them listed above.

I would give Leonard at ARC a call to confirm, but I'm pretty sure that they use the standard.
On the digital side, I have an ARC CDT-1 transport that has all (4) digital outputs: coax (via BNC), toslink, ATT/ST glass fiber and AES/EBU. I have found that no matter what DAC I have connected that the AES/EBU sounds the best. I have also read that 1.5 meter length AES/EBU cable is optimum. I do not know if absolute phase and/or relative phase matters in the "digital domain", since the data bitstream is just zeros and ones?

On the analog side, unless the piece of gear if "fully balanced" from input to output, there should be little to no sonic difference between balanced and single ended. I really do like the XLR connectors better because they snap and lock in. Balanced makes a BIG difference on LONG cables runs because of it's ability to reduce and reject outside RF and EMI.