Blueswan, your thread is very timely as I have just decided to try the same thing. My amp and CDP are both using truly balanced circuits so I will be trying some XLR cables in January. I will keep you posted to compare results.
Well, I have finally balanced it...
I replaced my single ended cables with the same make/model of balanced interconnects, Tara Decade and Tara Air-2, between my DAC and preamp, and between my preamp and amp.
-Amp - Accuphase P-450
-Preamp - Pass Labs Aleph P, Gain at 12 o'clock
-DAC - Accuphase DC-61
-Transport - Sony 9000ES
-Speakers - Proac Response 3.8
These are my findings:
-The gain increased by 3dB to 6dB.
-Bass was much fuller and stronger.
-Mids were more natural and smooth.
-Highs had a bit more resolution.
-The sound was a bit quieter, more musical than technical.
It was not, however, as large a difference as I expected. When I do my next cable upgrade, I will likely stay with the balanced setup, probably using Tara The One, which is out of my budget range at the moment. (I know, I know... I need a turntable and tubes!)
-Amp - Accuphase P-450
-Preamp - Pass Labs Aleph P, Gain at 12 o'clock
-DAC - Accuphase DC-61
-Transport - Sony 9000ES
-Speakers - Proac Response 3.8
These are my findings:
-The gain increased by 3dB to 6dB.
-Bass was much fuller and stronger.
-Mids were more natural and smooth.
-Highs had a bit more resolution.
-The sound was a bit quieter, more musical than technical.
It was not, however, as large a difference as I expected. When I do my next cable upgrade, I will likely stay with the balanced setup, probably using Tara The One, which is out of my budget range at the moment. (I know, I know... I need a turntable and tubes!)