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XLR to RCA interconnect. Does mixed connectors provide less noise compared RCA to RCA?

I am currently using Signal Audio Cable which is XLR to RCA. between the pre-outs of Rogue integrated amp and a Balanced Audio Technology VK-200 amp which has both XLR  and RCA connectors.  I

 was holding out to replace the Rogue with either a BAT pre-amp with both XLR and RCA or another brand of pre-amp which is equal to the BAT.   However, I got a great deal on a Conrad Johnson PV-14L SE ( with the upgraded caps) which has all RCA's. 

My questions is it worth getting the same XLR to RCA to connect an Ayre CX7e mp CD player which has  XLR outputs to the CJ preamp's CD inputs, or just stay with the Harmonic Technology "Truth Link" RCA to RCA  IC  ( previous model but highly rated) I currently use. 

Is there one brand of XLR to RCA interconnects that is better sounding than others. I almost bought  a Mogami XLR to RCA, but it was too long and more money.    Thank you

sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by auxinput

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Like another has said, the negative-polarity signal pin in an XLR-to-RCA cable is usually connected to ground/shield (if at all).  There is no benefit to getting an XLR-to-RCA cable instead of just an RCA cable unless the XLR connector on the one side is superior to what RCA connector is available.  There is absolutely no signal difference between these cables, as the target devices (i.e. amp) will only use the one RCA signal wire anyways.  The only real benefit that you might get is if you run a true XLR cable and then use a Jenson Transformer XLR-to-RCA converter right next to the amplifier.  You're spending a lot more money here.

Better off just to get a really good RCA cable in this situation.

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