Should I try XLR?


I've never tried XLR cables, just regular ICs with my components. I currently have a Luxman 505UXii integrated with Dynaudio Special 40s. My CDP/streamer is a Marantz ND8006. I'm currently using WyWires ICs with all of my equipment. Would adding XLR cables to the CDP/streamer make a huge difference---if so, should I stick with WyWires XLR or something else? Thanks in advance for your help. 
bluorion
Short answer:
I don't know.

Long answer:
The benefits of XLR (Balanced) connectors is that they can be run long distances and tend not to be by differences in manufacture.
The key point to remember is that the equipment must support the AES 47 protocol in order to take advantage of those benefits.
Hopefully, Atmasphere will chime in, otherwise, PM him. He can explain this stuff better than I. Plus, he's a great guy to know.
Bob
@gdnrbob Thanks for the response---but I have no idea what AES 47 protocol is. Guess I'll keep the ICs. LOL

A quick search on Marantz website reveals your ND8006 does not have XLR / Balanced outputs! It’s a Single Ended design (RCA outputs only). 
https://www.marantz.com/-/media/files/documentmaster/marantzna/us/nd8006_product_info_sheet_en01.pdf
I'm kinda stumped too, where do you want to use the XLRs at?

Is there a noise issue? No Noise, No problem...

 Good connection though. I use XLR on all power amps that have them..

Regards
Balanced (XLR) cables add value only if the components on both ends support them. In that case, they offer better connectors, less chance of potentially catastrophic hum from touching a live cable end, greater resistance to EMI/RFI, and less likelihood of ground loops.
@lalitk Thanks for checking into ND8006--well, that solves that.  I should have looked into that myself. If I decide to 'tweak' or upgrade late, I'll try XLR. 
I'm not sure about the 505uxii but XLR cables on my 590AXII made a rather significant difference in comparison to single-ended in my system. Balanced connection between the amp and DAC.
@ryder I own the 590 also and switched to XLR’s to my DAC. The main reason I did so as I have little room between cables behind my equipment and felt the added isolation might help. It did. 
That's like asking if I should scratch.  
Only if it itches. How could we possibly know?
No, not a huge difference.

Why not build your own though? :) You could try pure silver, balanced cables to compare for cheap.

https://www.partsconnexion.com/DHLABS-57225.html


Best,

Erik
I find XLR balanced cables drop the noise floor a little in my system, and every little bit helps… right? I use WyWires so I’m going to be prejudice there. I bet if you reach out to Alex, he will either treat you well on a trade or maybe he can swap out the plugs at a reasonable cost.  
They are only a upgrade if the components they are hook too are balanced from input to out put. Just because your components has balance inputs and out puts doe not mean it is balanced.
Once I went XLR (balanced), I never went back. Now, if if doesn't have XLR capability, it ain't for me.
@68pete +1.  

@bluorion,
Yes it's accurate to say, balanced cables will generally provide an advantage over longer runs than single ended cables. Sure, the firm "snap" connectors provide a physical advantage over RCA connectors.

But the big advantage of balanced cables is the 6db reduction in noise if used used between components that are truly designed as balanced. That means double the circuitry inside the amp/pre etc. The left and right channels each have a separate path inside the component that leads to the cable. Balanced Audio Technology(BAT) has a detailed explanation on their site. @atma-sphere could give a TED Talk on the subject! Many companies consider this philosophy a key credo in their designs.

Don't be fooled thinking that XLR connectors implies that the component is truly balanced. Many items like the Oppo I used to own have XLR outputs which are convenient when connecting to another balanced component, but the signal isn't balanced and doesn't give the advantage that those cables are born to leverage. Cheers,
Spencer

@sbank yes---thank you for that explanation. I'm currently looking for CD/streamers that have XLR outputs. The Technics SL G700 has some good specs and reviews.