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Do Costly XLR Cables Make A Difference?

Serious question here. I currently own a rather good XLR cable that goes between the amp and DAC. I’m considering a better XLR cable to improve things, basically all the good aspects of sound reproduction such as deeper and more defined bass, better separation and detail across the frequency spectrum and an airier and more 3-dimensional sound in the midrange and treble. Will a different XLR cable supposedly one that’s costlier bring me to that direction?

My current XLR cable costs about $2k actual price paid.

I’m looking at an alternative pair up to about $2k perhaps $3k tops if it is proven that the cable is able to bring a noticeable or worthwhile if not significant difference. I am actually looking at the Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 and Gold Eclipse 8 XLR.

Any experience would be appreciated. 

 

ryder
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
6,183 posts
 

“Will a different XLR cable supposedly one that’s costlier bring me to that direction?
@ryder

Not necessarily. I am using two sets of XLR’s in my system, the 2nd XLR costing only $1K which is 1/4th the cost of 1st XLR, offering great performance and synergy with rest of the cables / components. Instead of focusing on cost, I would focus on cable; what would be the best cable irrespective of brand and cost (within your budget) would allow me to squeeze the best performance out of my DAC ➡️ Integrated and meet your aforementioned criteria.

The cables are much like any other component in your system. I recommend auditioning different brands of cables through your dealer network. Before I make a suggestion, may I know what speaker and power cables being used in your system?

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,499 posts
 

It depends. We’re your original cables carefully chosen, researched across the spectrum of what is available? Then did you try several based on those you thought would be the best match? If not, it is likely of a much better sounding option.

I would think it is possible. But you want to get loaners, do comparisons. This is the best way to really customize your system to the exact sound that is right for you. You now have a “reference” set of interconnects. See if you can do better.

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

If it not a truly balanced system there is zero point. 

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

@jerryg123 The XLR cables will be as good as RCA.  I think your point is that they won't be better.  

I use XLR on one amp because the way the XLR is implemented seems just a tad better to me.  but it is specific to that amp.  It has a jensen transformer in the circuit.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,102 posts
 

It depends how resolving your setup is and what you’re looking for in a new cables. 
I recently borrowed Kimber KS1136 and Audience AU24SX to compare with my Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper. Every set had a unique sound signature. I was pretty sure the AU24SX would be a better fit since I am using the AU24SX speaker cables but after days with each set, I ended up keeping my AZ Absolute Copper. 
I also ran Mogami Studio gold between pre and amp for about a month. While it worked well, in the end the Mogami weren’t on the same level. Back went the AZs. 
I’m not trying to tell you to get AZs. All I’m saying is you need to listen in your own system. Do what I did and borrow from the cable company. 

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