The best XLR plugs

[darkmatter]

What are generally accepted to be the best XLR plugs for high quality Audio use?

Neutrik XX-HE seem to be highly rated

NC3MXX-HE

http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/xx-he-serie/nc3mxx-he

[technobear]

This one: http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/xx-series/nc3fxx-b and this one: http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/xx-series/nc3mxx-b

Note the gold plated contacts. Other than that don't let audiophilia nervosa get the better of you :D

[MCRU]

The best are Furutech carbon fibre ones, expensive yes but you did ask what the best ones are.

[loo]

This one: http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/xx-series/nc3fxx-b and this one: http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/xx-series/nc3mxx-b

Note the gold plated contacts. Other than that don't let audiophilia nervosa get the better of you :D

a big +1 if they are for truly balanced equipment they wont be plug fussy

[Barry]

How about these?:

http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/557-large_default/oyaide-focus-1-xlr-connectors-set-of-4.jpg

Made by Oyaide and distributed by MCRU, I have no idea if they are any better than Neutrix's own, but they do look gorgeous. Expensive at ~£70 each.

[YNWaN]

I use the Neutriks in the first link. They are very high quality with silver contacts (gold is an option). I've used carbon fibre quite a lot and I am entirely unconvinced by its use to wrap connectors - looks good but nothing else.

[Z-A]

Bocchino BAXLR followed by the Furutech CF601/602. The Bocchino has the best close contact fit, all pure copper (plated gold) which becomes evident when you insert them, they are very solid.

[MartinT]

Neutriks with silver contacts for all mine. Balanced is not very connector fussy and the Neutriks will work forever.

[MCRU]

Neutriks with silver contacts for all mine. Balanced is not very connector fussy and the Neutriks will work forever.

yes but the OP wants to know the best and those are not!

Neutriks are like BMW X5's, common as muck and decidedly mediocre :lol:

[Martyn Miles]

The best made XLR plugs are Neutrik.

Whether they are the best sounding
I don't know

In ' The World of The Audio Anorak ' the most expensive is the best sounding isn't it ? (!)

[YNWaN]

Never heard of these before 'Bocchino BAXLR' - interesting though.

[Reffc]

Personally, I like the Furutech FP601/602 or the CF601/602R versions. Both have superb connectivity and build quality but as mentioned already, they are a little pricey. You only have to handle them and look at the build quality to realise what a step up in quality they are compared with Neutrik plugs, not to mention the fit.


Never heard of these before 'Bocchino BAXLR' - interesting though. Indeed, I've never heard of them either but yes, they do look interesting.

[YNWaN]

The actual latching and contact elements of the Furutech couldn't look more like those of the Neutriks - but with fancy looking bodies.

[YNWaN]

I use these on my power amps:

http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/rx-series/nc3mrx-bag

http://www.neutrik.com/website/uploads/images/09/660x/nc3mrx-bag.jpg?v=1

Really good, high quality conection - absolutely reliable and solid fit etc.

[The Barbarian]

Neutrik have been used by the industry for years, proven reliability with exceptionally good value for money..

[Effem]

I think the Switchcraft XLRs are pretty good too. Heavy stainless steel bodies no less so almost indestructible

http://www.soundgear.co.uk/shop/images/xlrxlr.jpg

[Z-A]

Some of our BAXLR's against the CF 601/2 Furutech. The Furutech are solder connection, the Bocchino are set screw.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq39/PRSRDS/2013-04-08144143_zps9a796db3.jpg (http://s431.photobucket.com/user/PRSRDS/media/2013-04-08144143_zps9a796db3.jpg.html)

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq39/PRSRDS/bf964e60-3c07-4451-b004-38b1623b629f_zps6e1480a0.jpg (http://s431.photobucket.com/user/PRSRDS/media/bf964e60-3c07-4451-b004-38b1623b629f_zps6e1480a0.jpg.html)

Carmine Bocchino has all the info on his website: http://www.bocchtech.com/bocchinoaudio/baxlr.htm

Rgds

[Yomanze]

yes but the OP wants to know the best and those are not!

Neutriks are like BMW X5's, common as muck and decidedly mediocre :lol:

Differences in XLR cables are not really worth worrying about (RCAs are a different story). Neutriks are bomb-proof and do the job fine.

[The Grand Wazoo]

yes but the OP wants to know the best and those are not!

Neutriks are like BMW X5's, common as muck and decidedly mediocre :lol:

Actually you are wrong.
The OP wants to know:
What are generally accepted to be the best XLR plugs

The general acceptance seems to be rather different to what you assert. And once again, you definitively state that the one you sell is 'the best'. Tout your stuff on a sales thread David, that's what they are for.

[brucew268]

It seems to me that asking which plug is "generally accepted" to be best is only slightly better than asking which IC or mains lead is "generally accepted" to be best. People argue their favourite all day and little gets settled.

I've heard it said that true balanced amp designs are not fussy about cabling or plugs... but truly balanced designs are said to be very rare in hi-fi, not easy to get low enough impedance out of the preamp. So does that effect whether one balanced cable or one xlr plug sounds better than another? I don't know. But my balanced HT sounds slightly different from my Vampire.

[YNWaN]

Some balanced amps aren't actually a balanced circuit inside, even though they may offer balanced in and/or out.
----
I've yet to find an XLR that was poorly constructed. I've used the Switchcraft ones in the past and they are also good.

[DSJR]

Expensive XLR's are just that! Expensive for the profit in it and the jewellery style of finish outside. Used properly in a balanced system, they almost certainly won't make one iota of difference and even if the pins aren't some fancy material, plugging them in and out a few times every so often should be enough to clean them.

Think of the DOZENS of bog-standard Switchcraft and Neutrik connectors used in studios to make the music mixes we all listen to - very low microphone outputs as well!

[Reffc]

Expensive XLR's are just that! Expensive for the profit in it and the jewellery style of finish outside. Used properly in a balanced system, they almost certainly won't make one iota of difference and even if the pins aren't some fancy material, plugging them in and out a few times every so often should be enough to clean them.

Think of the DOZENS of bog-standard Switchcraft and Neutrik connectors used in studios to make the music mixes we all listen to - very low microphone outputs as well!

But the OP didn't ask "which are the best sounding XLRs" David, so everyone's definition of the "best" may mean different things hence the variety of answers. I personally go for the best quality I can afford in my own system as fit, finish and durability matter to me, especially with having kit swapped in and out all the time. Others have different criteria so it's one of the questions that may not have a "right" answer..

[Martyn Miles]

Neutrik have been used by the industry for years, proven reliability with exceptionally good value for money...

Exactly. Audio professionals are not taken in by Audiophile hype and expensive 'audio jewellery' . I really do wish some people on this Forum, who have been taken in by suppliers' claims and have wasted their money, would keep their opinions to themselves...

[Martyn Miles]

Expensive XLR's are just that! Expensive for the profit in it and the jewellery style of finish outside. Used properly in a balanced system, they almost certainly won't make one iota of difference and even if the pins aren't some fancy material, plugging them in and out a few times every so often should be enough to clean them.

Think of the DOZENS of bog-standard Switchcraft and Neutrik connectors used in studios to make the music mixes we all listen to - very low microphone outputs as well!

Thank you, David. I should have read your post before posting mine. You are SO right. Martyn M.

[The Grand Wazoo]

I really do wish some people on this Forum, who have been taken in by suppliers' claims and have wasted their money, would keep their opinions to themselves...

Despite what I said to David earlier, what would be the point of a discussion forum if members weren't able to discuss their opinions when they tried something new, whatever the cost? It's one thing for a salesman to say his product is good - he would wouldn't he? But if someone who's invested their own money in it and prefers it, then who are you to tell them that they're wrong....or that they shouldn't ever mention it?

[DSJR]

But if you've 'invested' tons of your own money on bling products then you 'would' prefer it, wouldn't you, to save face if nothing else! Apologies all, I've gone way beyond needing to parade any audio gear I own as a badge of honour, listed underneath every post I make. It's a tool to do the job necessary and does it for me very well. if you really think a £70 XLR plug really 'is' better, then go right ahead. The rest of us living in the real world can 'make do' with our 'inferior' Neutrik and equivalent plugs, safe in the knowledge that they're long lasting, have no audible effect if used correctly and are cheap enough to allow more funds to be spent on the music!

So there!!!!!

[The Grand Wazoo]

if you really think a £70 XLR plug really 'is' better, then go right ahead.

Thanks for that - good to know I have your blessing.
Now take a look around AoS and see how many times I've said before about how I've long ago done with messing about with cables and you may find that my entire system cost less than £200 to cable from front to back, then take a guess at how many interconnects it takes to couple up the stuff I have in my willy-waving signature.
I'll never buy a £70 plug any more than fly to the moon, but I'll defend anyone's right to discuss them on an audio forum. Unless it's an ill disguised sales pitch.

[Barry]

My preamp and power amps are true balanced designs. I am happy to use either Neutrix or Switchcraft XLRs with either silver or gold plated contacts, or even use the original Cannon designs.

I see no improvement in design with either of the Furutech or the Bocchino BAXLR versions; they certainly don't inspire any confidence by their appearance.

As André and others have said, Cannon, Neutrix and Switchcraft connectors have been used in professional audio, by studios and broadcasters for years and have a proven track record for quality and reliability.

[Marco]

Well, I've tried a few, including the Neutrik and Furutech variety mentioned, and IME, the best (as in best sounding and most robustly constructed), are the Yaeger XLR connectors, which Paul Hynes uses on his SR7 PSUs. The Yaeger connector is used to supply power to my T/T, via a solid-silver DC lead:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/571/2j6h.jpg


And at the other end, on the back of my SR7 (entry point for the Yaeger shown underneath the carbon-fibre bodied Furutech XLR plug):


http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2729/0ho0.jpg


I believe that Yaeger connectors are used in professional applications, such as on medical equipment, and so therefore must be very durable. In hi-fi applications, they're effective, sonically, I believe because they measure very low impedance. However, Paul would be better commenting on the technicalities.

The observation I would make is that, as you can see from the back of my SR7, I had the option of comparing the Furutech XLR plug (shown connected to the unit) against the Yaeger. The Furutech, despite being 'sexier' looking (I wanted it to win), was notably worse sounding, which is why I ended up selling it on!

Therefore, I found that the Yaeger XLR plugs, at a fraction of the price of the Furutech, were the superior connectors (the best I've used), and so wouldn't hesitate recommending them to others :)

Marco.

[Marco]

But if you've 'invested' tons of your own money on bling products then you 'would' prefer it, wouldn't you, to save face if nothing else!

Not at all, Dave. See my post above, which shows how I ditched the 'bling' Furutech XLR plug (which I'd bought and wanted to be the best) for a superior, much less 'bling', cheaper, Yaeger connector...

At the end of the day, all that matters to me is what performs the best, sonically. I couldn't give a damn what costs more, looks better or has the most 'desirable' badge!!

:exactly:

Marco.

[MartinT]

My preamp and power amps are true balanced designs. I am happy to use either Neutrix or Switchcraft XLRs with either silver or gold plated contacts, or even use the original Cannon designs.

So are mine. Although I have found the Yannis silver balanced cables I use now to be very slightly better, there's very little in it between cheap Maplin microphone cables, super-expensive Kimber Select, Tellurium Q Black and Yannis ConnectLitz using mostly Neutrik and Switchcraft XLR connectors. The Neutriks I now use, despite their lowish price (down to the vast quantities made), are superbly constructed, have silver pins that mate firmly and pass the test of time. You really don't need a vastly expensive connector in balanced applications as the system negates the effect of the cable and connectors to a large degree.

[Marco]

Despite what I said to David earlier, what would be the point of a discussion forum if members weren't able to discuss their opinions when they tried something new, whatever the cost? It's one thing for a salesman to say his product is good - he would wouldn't he? But if someone who's invested their own money in it and prefers it, then who are you to tell them that they're wrong....or that they shouldn't ever mention it?

Hear, hear!! Martyn, please take that message on board.

And:


Thanks for that - good to know I have your blessing.
Now take a look around AoS and see how many times I've said before about how I've long ago done with messing about with cables and you may find that my entire system cost less than £200 to cable from front to back, then take a guess at how many interconnects it takes to couple up the stuff I have in my willy-waving signature.
I'll never buy a £70 plug any more than fly to the moon, but I'll defend anyone's right to discuss them on an audio forum. Unless it's an ill disguised sales pitch.

Indeed, Chris - as would I! Like you say, discussion forums are for people to discuss things, such as XLR plugs on an audio forum, like AoS. No-one should be keeping their opinions to themselves, if they don't want to. Free speech is promoted here, within the guidelines of our ethos.

Brooksie, rein in the blatant sales promotion - you've been warned about this before. The 'best' XLR plug, in your opinion, is always going to be from the selection you sell, so perhaps you're not ideally placed to offer unbiased advice on a thread like this, eh? ;)

Marco.

[loo]

So are mine. Although I have found the Yannis silver balanced cables I use now to be very slightly better, there's very little in it between cheap Maplin microphone cables, super-expensive Kimber Select, Tellurium Q Black and Yannis ConnectLitz using mostly Neutrik and Switchcraft XLR connectors. The Neutriks I now use, despite their lowish price (down to the vast quantities made), are superbly constructed, have silver pins that mate firmly and pass the test of time. You really don't need a vastly expensive connector in balanced applications as the system negates the effect of the cable and connectors to a large degree.

another here, all my system is balanced so the 24 xlr connecters I use would be a whopping £1680.00, I could buy something nice for that kind of dosh, I agree with Martin theres little difference between maplins mic patch leads and some mega bucks cables well 5 friends failed to hear a difference between some strikingly differently constructed cables , after all that's why balanced equipment became the industry standard.
could be a completely different effect though when using them for a power supply connection.
Paul

[Martyn Miles]

OK, OK. Everyone is entitled to ' have their say ' . I run recording semi-professionally, so I am already in ' The Other Camp'. We make the music the Audiophile Anoraks, who spend ridiculous amounts on reproduction accessories, listen to.

Do you REALLY believe if I replaced my Neutrik XLR on my mic. cable with Furatech ( or whatever...) the sound of my £400 Neumann mic. would improve out of all recognition ?

Perhaps I shouldn't say it but, ' Get a Life' . I think I will leave this Forum permanently...

[Yomanze]

Hi Martyn this thread stands out as being a rare cable thread where a lot of cable believers are saying that the Neutrik stuff is more than good enough. I use Canare Star-Quad with Neutrik XLRs, 20-odd quid each, and have "wanky" cables elsewhere.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Yes, Martin, it's rather odd that this should be the time you choose to announce your frustration and impending departure from AoS when the vast majority of commentators are in full agreement with you!

[loo]

I thought Everyone was in agreement ,except two vendors of cables

[Floyddroid]

I must admit that i am considering going back to the rca connectors on my Exposure amps as the unbalanced XLR cable sounds too stark and lacking depth.
The best made XLR plugs are Neutrik.

Whether they are the best sounding
I don't know

In ' The World of The Audio Anorak ' the most expensive is the best sounding isn't it ? (!)

[Reffc]

I thought Everyone was in agreement ,except two vendors of cables

If you'd care to check you'll see that I don't sell XLRs on their own, have never "pushed" them here or anywhere else for that matter and was responding to the question "what do you think are the best". I responded, from my personal perspective, with no sales hat on, I qualified my response with my reasons and I am definitely NOT trying to sell anyone anything, so less of the tar brushing nonsense if you please. I also rate Switchcraft plugs very highly and the cheapest of the Furutech stuff is very good too, but in answer to the best, I can only speak from what I have experience of myself and I answered accordingly. It amazes me that asked a simple question, so many people are so quick to jump to conclusions, and ridicule other people's opinions when those opinions are based on personal preference and have nothing to do with any form of standards being implied or given. It's a real shame to see this sort of thing happening on this forum in particular. Post script is just to say who says anyone has to agree on this subject? Its not one with a right and a wrong is it? I'm very sorry I like the pricey ones but I do. Do they do anything night and day performance better than Switchcraft or cheaper Furutechs? I doubt it but I like the fit, finish and looks...totally irrational perhaps but there we go. Why on earth must people feel the need to defend opinions? Sorry for the reaction folks but I will NOT have that sort of disgraceful inference made and let it be.

[Ali Tait]

Where do you get the Yeager connectors Marco?

[loo]

Sorry for any confusion Paul I was referring to the guys who recommended the Furutech and BAXLR plugs I always think of you as the man with the speaker skills
cheers Paul

[Marco]

Indeed. I'd have to say, Paul, that I never viewed your preference of XLR plug as an attempt to push any product. It was simply your opinion, of which you're entitled to. I also respect your professional experience on the matter.

As you say, you don't sell XLR plugs on their own, so how anyone could view your comments as a sales promotion mystifies me - almost as much as Martyn's rather bizarre 'strop' :scratch:

Basically, all opinions here are welcome, unless they have a blatant agenda, commercial or otherwise.

Marco.

[Reffc]

Sorry for any confusion Paul I was referring to the guys who recommended the Furutech and BAXLR plugs I always think of you as the man with the speaker skills
cheers Paul

No worries Paul and my apologies for any over-reaction but understandably I don't wish to get tarred with any brushes. Sorry again, I shouldn't have had such a blunt go. Peace.

[Marco]

Where do you get the Yeager connectors Marco?

Hi Ali,

From Paul Hynes, dude. Dunno where he gets them from, but I'm sure he'd tell you. They're ace, though! Definite 'no-nonsense' high-quality connectors. They come fitted as stock with his DCSXL pure-silver DC leads :)

Marco.

[Reffc]

Indeed. I'd have to say, Paul, that I never viewed your preference of XLR plug as an attempt to push any product. It was simply your opinion, of which you're entitled to. I also respect your professional experience on the matter.

As you say, you don't sell XLR plugs on their own, so how anyone could view your comments as a sales promotion mystifies me - almost as much as Martyn's rather bizarre 'strop' :scratch:

Basically, all opinions here are welcome, unless they have a blatant agenda, commercial or otherwise.

Marco.

Again, my apologies for the over-reaction Marco and to everyone else. Not like me at all to do that. It's just the thread doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense if opinions are being called for and the opinions of a few are being dammed because they favour something more exotic and not perhaps for the reasons assumed. I understand and accept fully just why some might draw the conclusions they have. Its possibly the first time I've admitted that I like the blinginess of a connector and that's possibly the most embarrassing admission of all :mental: ;)

[Marco]

Ali,

Paul mentions the Yaeger connectors here in the trade room: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?16655-Paul-Hynes-Power-Supplies


All products are custom built to order.

DC7CXL fine silver DC lead £082 (with silver plated XLR typically 3 milliohm)
DC7CXL fine silver DC lead £112 (with XL low impedance connector > 1 milliohm)

All DC lead prices are for 1 metre lengths.


As you can see, he has measured the impedance of the connectors in milliohms, and the Yaeger (XL low impedance connector) measures much lower, in that respect, to the XLR (Neutrik) plugs he offers, yet he only charges £30 more for his DC cable fitted with Yaeger connectors.

Clearly these professional connectors are not subject to 'inventive audiophile pricing', and so offer very high SPPV. The Yaeger certainly smoked both the Neutrik and Furutech XLR plugs, which I tried, on sonic terms (perhaps because of its lower impedance) - and you ought to feel how solid a connection it makes! :eek:

The Yaeger really inspires confidence in use, and that together with its sonic prowess, made it a no-brainer choice for me :)

Marco.

[Martyn Miles]

It's not those here I want to 'save' from themselves. It is those in the wider audio community, being conned by sellers with no moral scruples.

Yes, most agree with me. Somehow we need to ' get the message out .' Martyn .

[Marco]

Again, my apologies for the over-reaction Marco and to everyone else. Not like me at all to do that. It's just the thread doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense if opinions are being called for and the opinions of a few are being dammed because they favour something more exotic and not perhaps for the reasons assumed. I understand and accept fully just why some might draw the conclusions they have. Its possibly the first time I've admitted that I like the blinginess of a connector and that's possibly the most embarrassing admission of all :mental: ;)

Don't worry about it, Paul - we're all human! :eyebrows:

Marco.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Careful Martyn - morality and legality are two different things. 'Being conned' implies illegality and, so far, there is no law against charging a high price for audio plugs.

[clap]

OK, OK. Everyone is entitled to ' have their say ' . I run recording semi-professionally, so I am already in ' The Other Camp'. We make the music the Audiophile Anoraks, who spend ridiculous amounts on reproduction accessories, listen to.

Do you REALLY believe if I replaced my Neutrik XLR on my mic. cable with Furatech ( or whatever...) the sound of my £400 Neumann mic. would improve out of all recognition ?

Perhaps I shouldn't say it but, ' Get a Life' . I think I will leave this Forum permanently...

Bye.

[Marco]

Not helpful, Tristan.

Marco.

[Ali Tait]

Ali,

Paul mentions the Yaeger connectors here in the trade room: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?16655-Paul-Hynes-Power-Supplies



As you can see, he has measured the impedance of the connectors in milliohms, and the Yaeger (XL low impedance connector) measures much lower, in that respect, to the XLR (Neutrik) plugs he offers, yet he only charges £30 more for his DC cable fitted with Yaeger connectors.

Clearly these professional connectors are not subject to 'inventive audiophile pricing', and so offer very high SPPV. The Yaeger certainly smoked both the Neutrik and Furutech XLR plugs, which I tried, on sonic terms (perhaps because of its lower impedance) - and you ought to feel how solid a connection it makes! :eek:

The Yaeger really inspires confidence in use, and that together with its sonic prowess, made it a no-brainer choice for me :)

Marco.

Cheers dude, I'll give him a shout.

[Mark Grant]

Well, I've tried a few, including the Neutrik and Furutech variety mentioned, and IME, the best (as in best sounding and most robustly constructed), are the Yaeger XLR connectors, which Paul Hynes uses on his SR7 PSUs. The Yaeger connector is used to supply power to my T/T, via a solid-silver DC lead:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/571/2j6h.jpg


And at the other end, on the back of my SR7 (entry point for the Yaeger shown underneath the carbon-fibre bodied Furutech XLR plug):


http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2729/0ho0.jpg


I believe that Yaeger connectors are used in professional applications, such as on medical equipment, and so therefore must be very durable. In hi-fi applications, they're effective, sonically, I believe because they measure very low impedance. However, Paul would be better commenting on the technicalities.

The observation I would make is that, as you can see from the back of my SR7, I had the option of comparing the Furutech XLR plug (shown connected to the unit) against the Yaeger. The Furutech, despite being 'sexier' looking (I wanted it to win), was notably worse sounding, which is why I ended up selling it on!

Therefore, I found that the Yaeger XLR plugs, at a fraction of the price of the Furutech, were the superior connectors (the best I've used), and so wouldn't hesitate recommending them to others :)

Marco.

They do look the business but they wont fit normal XLR connector sockets as they are different, look how one of the pins is smaller and around the outer barrel how they lock on with a twist action, XLR is a catch and pulls out.

http://www.jaegerconnecteurs.com/an/connecteurs-industriels/index.html

Just thought I would mention that before anyone rushes to buy loads of them :)

[Ali Tait]

Ah, no wonder I couldn't find them, Jaeger, not Yeager!

[Yomanze]

I must admit that i am considering going back to the rca connectors on my Exposure amps as the unbalanced XLR cable sounds too stark and lacking depth.

Yes British amps prefer RCA. :D

[Marco]

They do look the business but they wont fit normal XLR connector sockets as they are different, look how one of the pins is smaller and around the outer barrel how they lock on with a twist action, XLR is a catch and pulls out.

http://www.jaegerconnecteurs.com/an/connecteurs-industriels/index.html

Just thought I would mention that before anyone rushes to buy loads of them...

Ah, thanks for that, Mark. I also didn't know that they were French :)

The connector concerned looks like an M27, see here (scroll down a bit): http://www.jaegerconnecteurs.com/an/pdf/017_connecteurs_a_cabler.pdf There's certainly a massive range of different types of connectors, and all look rather robust!

It's a pity that the Yaeger connectors aren't interchangable with normal XLRs, as in my opinion, they're significantly better.

Marco.

[MartinT]

I must admit that i am considering going back to the rca connectors on my Exposure amps as the unbalanced XLR cable sounds too stark and lacking depth.

If a component doesn't sound better with balanced connections it's highly likely that it isn't internally balanced in design. Some equipment have their balanced outputs derived from the single-ended (like the Sony SCD-1 SACD player) so they are effectively an afterthought and add more circuitry - not good. Proper balanced components sound tremendous in balanced mode.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I've been saying this years. You won't find any carbon fibre bling in my system:) my only bits of bling are eichmann silver bullets which I'd been using for donkeys years before I joined this forum. I use maplins xlr's in my system, they are fine, do the job and sound excellent.

[Paul Hynes]

Hi Marco,

Sorry I could not join in earlier. The broadband has been off line. Fortunately Mark G pitched in and clarified quickly that the Jaeger three-pin connector is not compatible with XLR connectors. Thanks Mark.

I use this Jaeger connector on my XL versions of my power supplies and also for the DC inlet when I modify high-end audio equipment for customers. XL is not related to XLR but is a shortened version of the word EXCEL that sounds the same as the word EXCEL. One of my few concessions to marketing-speak.

The Jaeger connector is a tightly toleranced contact, Mil Spec industrial connector with high current capability with very low and consistent contact resistance. The electrical performance is exceptional. It may not be the prettiest connector around but it is very rugged, reliable and available for a reasonable cost.

Regards
Paul

[Z-A]

Exactly. Audio professionals are not taken in by Audiophile hype and expensive 'audio jewellery' . I really do wish some people on this Forum, who have been taken in by suppliers' claims and have wasted their money, would keep their opinions to themselves...

Oh dear, was that aimed at me?

[Martyn Miles]

Oh dear, was that aimed at me?

No...

[Marco]

Anyway, are you over your 'little strop' now? ;)

Marco.

[The Barbarian]

Perhaps I shouldn't say it but, ' Get a Life' . I think I will leave this Forum permanently...

I don't blame you Martin & precisely the reason i seldom post on AOS these days.. However i personally have a jolly good laugh at a lot of posts to the extent that ive actually spat my morning brew out all over the monitor screen on many ocassion... I have no time for Audio guys at all & try my up most to alienate myself from them.

[Martyn Miles]

I don't blame you Martyn & precisely the reason i seldom post on AOS these days.. However i personally have a jolly good laugh at a lot of posts to the extent that ive actually spat my morning brew out all over the monitor screen on many occasion... I have no time for Audio guys at all & try my up most to alienate myself from them.

Upon reflection, I have decided to stay.

Please keep reading, Barbarian, we can all learn more about our fellow human beings...

[Marco]

Upon reflection, I have decided to stay.


Excellent :)

Andre, stop being a moody git! ;)

Marco.

[MCRU]

I don't blame you Martin & precisely the reason i seldom post on AOS these days.. However i personally have a jolly good laugh at a lot of posts to the extent that ive actually spat my morning brew out all over the monitor screen on many ocassion... I have no time for Audio guys at all & try my up most to alienate myself from them.

most do I expect including myself

[loo]

most do I expect including myself

ooh err risky remember Gerald Ratner

[MCRU]

Gerald Ratner said he sold crap

what's that got to do with having a laugh at what other people post on forums dude?

[nat8808]

It seems to me that asking which plug is "generally accepted" to be best is only slightly better than asking which IC or mains lead is "generally accepted" to be best. People argue their favourite all day and little gets settled.

I've heard it said that true balanced amp designs are not fussy about cabling or plugs... but truly balanced designs are said to be very rare in hi-fi, not easy to get low enough impedance out of the preamp. So does that effect whether one balanced cable or one xlr plug sounds better than another? I don't know. But my balanced HT sounds slightly different from my Vampire.

And my truly balanced valve amps (Nestorovic Alpha-1) use dual phonos ! (so can be used unbalanced too)

[Mark Grant]

Some Neutrik Bling, The crystalCON with Swarovski crystals.

"Fancy, noble, valuable, attractive - the crystalCON connectors made with Swarovski crystals are eye catchers"

http://www.neutrik.co.uk/en-uk/xlr/crystalcon/

I think they are possibly taking the mickey.


http://www.neutrik.co.uk/website/uploads/images/01/660x/crystalcon-female.jpg?v=1
-

http://www.neutrik.co.uk/website/uploads/images/04/660x/crystalcon-male.jpg?v=1

Maybe suitable for dull systems that need a bit of sparkle :)

[walpurgis]

Lets be serious. Those are nonsense. I expect they'll be offered in pink or lilac next. Not for grown ups!

[southall-1998]

Ideal to stick on your belly button to impress !

S.

[Barry]

Some Neutrik Bling, The crystalCON with Swarovski crystals.

"Fancy, noble, valuable, attractive - the crystalCON connectors made with Swarovski crystals are eye catchers"

http://www.neutrik.co.uk/en-uk/xlr/crystalcon/

I think they are possibly taking the mickey.


http://www.neutrik.co.uk/website/uploads/images/01/660x/crystalcon-female.jpg?v=1
-

http://www.neutrik.co.uk/website/uploads/images/04/660x/crystalcon-male.jpg?v=1

Maybe suitable for dull systems that need a bit of sparkle :)

That's the sort of nonsense that could damage Neutrik's reputation. In the past Leica have offered de luxe versions of their cameras with gold plating, lizard skin finish etc., none of which has the slightest effect on the ability of the camera to take photographs! :doh:

[Marco]

Yesh, but the cryshtals make the plugs shound more shparkly-warkly.... :eyebrows:

Marco.

[jon1]

More bling:D








jon

[Martyn Miles]

As usual, the main aim of a posting has descended into...

Well, you decide.

[Ali Tait]

You'll get used to it. It's always like this here.

[Marco]

Has someone perhaps had a sensahuma bypass? ;)

Marco.

[darkmatter]

In summary there are plenty of useful posts I can sift through to garner some opinion.

My first experiments will be with Neutrik NC3MXX-HE

These may figure in some experiments as well

http://www.neutrik.com/en/xlr/rx-series/nc3mrx-bag

...and the excellent Jaeger as mentioned here

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?16655-Paul-Hynes-Power-Supplies

[Mike]

Some Neutrik Bling, The crystalCON with Swarovski crystals.

"Fancy, noble, valuable, attractive - the crystalCON connectors made with Swarovski crystals are eye catchers"

http://www.neutrik.co.uk/en-uk/xlr/crystalcon/

I think they are possibly taking the mickey.


http://www.neutrik.co.uk/website/uploads/images/01/660x/crystalcon-female.jpg?v=1
-

http://www.neutrik.co.uk/website/uploads/images/04/660x/crystalcon-male.jpg?v=1

Maybe suitable for dull systems that need a bit of sparkle :)

Looks like an audio vagazzle.... I'll take a dozen!

[Ali Tait]

:lol:

[Marco]

:lolsign:

Aye, all that's missing is some fur around the sides!

Marco.