Can a poorly connected XLR connection cause a reduced(less loud) signal?


Been chasing a gremlin. I have an XLR balanced connection between a ROSE HIFI 150b DAC/streamer and an Accuphase E-380 Integrated Amp.

I have noticed the left channel to be a bit quieter, less bright, and measuring a bit lower on the Accuphase’s DB meters. The problem has been intermittent. I feel like I may have solved it, albeit temporarily, by pushing the XLR farther into the connector on the ROSE HIFI. I had read on their forum site that those connectors could be problematic.

But the basis of my question is: Can a poor XLR/balanced connection result in a lower/softer sound?

I have experimented with switching the cable, and even bought a different cable, don’t believe it to be a cable issue.

 

Edit: yes, I know my post title is a grammatical nightmare.

gemoody

Yes an xlr cable can cause low volume I just had a similar issue I had to turn my dac all the way up and amps up to hear almost anything. I troubleshoot by disconnecting xlr from everything and tried each amp individually they all worked fine so the last xlr was causing the issue when I connected it the sound went low again. I than tested the cable and the ground signal has an issues I redid both sides and fixed the cable and sound returned to normal. A tip for plug-in xlr there is usually a click that lets you know if you don’t hear a click it’s not connected properly.

I have always been curious as to why Audio Note uses only RCA connectors. It's the way I have gone as well since the XLR's with my Cornwall horns are overly and abruptly too dynamic.