RCA or XLR?

My limited XLR experience

XLR is not always properly implemented, so verify if you can. Perhaps others can give advice about this.

Short runs in home systems, I do not believe we need the improved shielding, but it doesn't hurt anything.

Locking XLR connectors are nice, I changed all my RCAs to locking type connectors. Moving any cable can inadvertently disrupt a connection.

Signal Strength: Not always, but most often I think, (if implemented correctly) XLR signal strength is higher than RCA, and this can allow you to keep a volume control in a more advantageous position, or drive equipment 'less hard'.

I have heard volume differences, but not any perceived 'better' or 'preferred' sound when I have tried alternate outputs/inputs.

Wear and tear on cables connectors? How many times do you actually plug them in and out?

Xlr all the way as it has an isolated separate ground.it has an advantage on longer runs as well. 6 more db as well. Happy hunting.maybe rca sounds better on some cuz there not truly balanced.

@opathy 

The same thought I had. I've had some RCA connectors for decades... especially when young and never had any wear on them even though I used to fiddle with them a lot. 

I hate to come across as being negative but reading through these comments is disappointing. There's so much misinformation on this topic, I don't even know where to begin. I guess you can start by forgetting about the cables. Focus on what you are connecting. That's what's important. Balanced and single ended equipment is not compatible. The reason an RCA cables are the most popular type for home audio equipment, is you only need a 2 conductor cable for single ended (non balanced) connections. For a balanced connection, you need 3 conductors. That's why XLR is used. The only way you can have a balanced connection is if the 2 components you are connecting can support a balanced connection. An XLR jack isn't good enough. It has to be balanced. If not, the connection defaults to single ended and you are only using 2 of the 3 pins on your XLR cable. And when that happens, it is an RCA cable. If both components can't accommodate that 3rd conductor in your XLR cable, it doesn't get used. I can tell by reading the comments, that this is exactly what's happening for most of you. Its the components that dictate what type of cable you should use. Not the other way around.

At this point, I know some of you are triggered. Yes, I'm oversimplifying here. There's more than one way a component can be balanced and there's more than one way to wire a balanced connection. For example, sometimes you can use an rca/xlr adaptor and it will work just fine, and sometimes you create a short circuit the second you plug the adaptor into the component. If you've ever wondered why they put pin diagrams right next to the xlr connectors on the back of your equipment, that's why. If you are not sure what to do, start with your owners manual. If you have a mix of xlr and rca connectors on the component, the manual should tell you what you need to know. If not, call the manufacturer. Even if you can use an XLR cable with no issues, why buy one if you don't have a balanced connection? Balanced cables are more expensive because of the extra materials it takes to make them.