Some balanced amps aren't actually a balanced circuit inside, even though they may offer balanced in and/or out.
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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.
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Some balanced amps aren't actually a balanced circuit inside, even though they may offer balanced in and/or out.
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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.
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..
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...
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?
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!!!!!
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.
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.
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/v2/102...0/571/2j6h.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.