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Electrocompaniet EMC-1 MkII: XLR better??

Just set up my burned-in EMC-1 MkII, and am wowed by the great dynamics, stage width and specificity, and especially the lack of digital glare, edge, or ANY roughness!
As it is a truly balanced design, I'd appreciate comments re the differences in sound between single-ended and balanced operation.
I only have ppairs of RCA'd Red Dawn and HT Pro-Silway MkII, and (perhaps) will need to buy XLR.
The Silways are a bit stiff and require more clearance than I'd like, but I'm leaning toward them over the easier-to-fit
Nordosts. It's been suggested that I try used Discovery Essence, or perhaps Nirvana SL, the new Coincident, or a Siltech. Greatly appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
Ernie
subaruguru

Showing 1 response by bwhite

bwhite
807 posts
 
Hi Ernie,

For my application - I don't agree on the balanced vs. single ended comments as stated above. If an I/C is less than 2 (or maybe 3) meters, odds are that both RCA and balanced will sound identical when compared a/b. Of course the balanced has more gain but tonally and dynamically they are identical on the EMC-1 MkII (speaking of Quattro Fil here, other cables may be different).

Where balanced IS clearly better than RCA is in situations where LONG runs are required or EMI/RF is present.

My Electrocompaniet EC 4.5 preamp lets me switch from balanced mode to single ended mode via a nifty little button. In this scenario, my Quattro Fil .6m XLRs and .6m RCAs sound the same.


Given that the XLR/RCA's sound the EXACT same - I chose to use XLR from CD - Pre and from Pre to Amp simply because I use line level RCA output of my Home Theater Processor direct to my amplifier.

Bry
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