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Balanced Cables

Been in this hobby for approx. 3 years now and have always used RCA interconnects. However, I just purchased an ARC LS15 preamp which also has balanced input/output connectors. I am probably wrong but I don't recall seeing balanced cables for sale on the Gon. I need some education on these cables...and where is the best place to purchase these cables ? Thx
sympaticonorm
vmk
41 posts
 
Cables with XLR connectors are balanced cables.
audiophile36
17 posts
 
Most cable companies will offer a balanced version of their interconnects,if not most will custom make one for you if you ask.
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
You can get your feet wet cheaply by purchasing a pair of XLR cables from Blue Jeans. They're not fancy or expensive, just solidy built and sound pretty good too, especially for the money.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/
mrderrick
292 posts
 
If I remember correctly, the balanced input of the LS15 is the "direct in" input. This input always sounded best when I used an LS15. You definitely want to try the balanced inputs and outputs.
davemitchell
253 posts
 
Sympatico,

The LS15 is a truly balanced circuit which, when used with other balanced gear, can give you common mode noise rejection benefits.

Do you have a CD player with a balanced XLR output, or amplifier with XLR in? If so, than you might consider running balanced cables.

A balanced cable has 3 identical conductors which terminate to the 3 pins you see on the XLR connector. PIN 1 is GROUND (same as the outer ring on an RCA plug), PIN 2 is the normal SIGNAL (same as the center pin on an RCA plug), and PIN 3 is a an INVERTED SIGNAL.

Many cables that are terminated with unbalanced RCA's have the necessary internal conductors to be reterminated with XLR's.
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