There are some brands that use a non-standard pin out (Electrocompaniet for example) but it's also possible that the ics are either broken or fake. Audience does have great service; I'd send them a an email w some decent pix of the ics.
Audience XLR interconnects not working
..just purchased (used) XLR Audience AU 24e interconnects. I have tried them in my rig which is essentially Audio Research (CD5, Ref 5, Ref 110 plus Sony as an additional SACD source). I have tried the Audience source to pre, pre to power but not a whimper. Completely dead. Yet they work with a friend's rig which is Oppo and solid state amplification. Any ideas why? Is the wiring of the "hot" pin not compatible with AR? As a non-shielded interconnect is there something clashing there? There is no buzz, no mush...just silence. I am bewildered.