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RCA vs. XLR (balanced): integrated to DAC

K

KGB1

Active Member
I have a Luxman L-505u integrated that has XLR inputs. I am considering DACs and have a question regarding sonic quality between RCA vs. XLR:

Do you think there is a sonic improvement when using XLR?

I still have a lot of thinking to do, but the DACs I am considering are:

• Jolida FX TubeDAC II, no XLR, but thinking it could be fun to experiment with a bit of tube rolling

• Bel Canto DAC 1.5, SS and kind of pricey and it appears that many recommend the LNS1 external power supply, which drives the cost up even more

Cheers,
Kenny
 
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That depends on what you need.

Balanced systems (XLR) are pretty much immune to noise from the environment, and assuming the same circuitry is used, has twice the output power as a single ended system (RCA).

Single ended systems have half the component count, compared to balanced and half the rise time too (again assuming same circuit is used).
But it isn't good for long cable runs as that increases the risk of noise making it's way in to the audio signal.

As for the connectors them selves, RCA's are not a very good standard as the shield is disconnected first when unplugging them, so the system has to be off before you mess with the cables, or you'll hear loud noises.

With XLR, all pins are disconnected more or less simultaneously, so unplugging them with the system running shouldn't be a problem, but still should be avoided.
XLR's tend to be extremely durable too, especially Neutrik variants.

Balanced systems are likely to be less cost effective as they don't have any inherent advantages over single ended in terms of sound, but are twice as complex.

However balanced systems are preferable in noisy environments or with long cable runs, (5 meters or more).

Which is better? that depends.
 
Adda said:
That depends on what you need.

Balanced systems (XLR) are pretty much immune to noise from the environment, and assuming the same circuitry is used, has twice the output power as a single ended system (RCA).

Single ended systems have half the component count, compared to balanced and half the rise time too (again assuming same circuit is used).
But it isn't good for long cable runs as that increases the risk of noise making it's way in to the audio signal.

As for the connectors them selves, RCA's are not a very good standard as the shield is disconnected first when unplugging them, so the system has to be off before you mess with the cables, or you'll hear loud noises.

With XLR, all pins are disconnected more or less simultaneously, so unplugging them with the system running shouldn't be a problem, but still should be avoided.
XLR's tend to be extremely durable too, especially Neutrik variants.

Balanced systems are likely to be less cost effective as they don't have any inherent advantages over single ended in terms of sound, but are twice as complex.

However balanced systems are preferable in noisy environments or with long cable runs, (5 meters or more).

Which is better? that depends.
Click to expand...

Cheers for the response Adda...

Been reading a bit and I'm thinking that unless I have long runs, and I don't, that I would not benefit much from using XLR sonically.

This could indeed save me some money as I would probably forgo the Bel Canto unless I intend to use the XLR inputs.

All subject to change, of course :D
 
You are very welcome.

Other DAC's that might be interesting to look in to, in the price range of the ones you list are:

Rega DAC
Atoll DAC 100
Schiit Bifrost
Audio-gd NFB-2.32
Musical Fidelity M1
 
Adda said:
You are very welcome.

Other DAC's that might be interesting to look in to, in the price range of the ones you list are:

Rega DAC
Atoll DAC 100
Schiit Bifrost
Audio-gd NFB-2.32
Musical Fidelity M1
Click to expand...

Yes, I have had a look at each of them, at least at a cursory level, except the Atoll. I'll have a look at it.

I have a Rega TT and I'm a little annoyed with Rega at the moment. Long story...

Dunno why, but the Jolida seems to be calling my name at the moment. I guess I'm interested in dabbling in the tube world a bit.

Thanks again!

K.
 
My DacMagic sounds better via the XLR outputs but that is something particular to that design and has been noted by many people.
 
A minor, minor footnote... Let's call it a toenote, it's so small...
KGB1 wrote: "With XLR, all pins are disconnected more or less simultaneously..." The design of XLR connectors is such that the ground connection is made first, followed by the other pins. This is accomplished in the female connector, where the "depth to contact" is shallower on pin 1. This make it kinder to equipment and ears than RCA jacks if removed while the circuit is in use, as mentioned above.

Chip
 
That is one of the not so minor reasons I have always loved XLR. No scary, equipment destroying noises if you forget to turn something off before disconnecting.
 
Chip Chester said:
A minor, minor footnote... Let's call it a toenote, it's so small...
KGB1 wrote: "With XLR, all pins are disconnected more or less simultaneously..." The design of XLR connectors is such that the ground connection is made first, followed by the other pins. This is accomplished in the female connector, where the "depth to contact" is shallower on pin 1. This make it kinder to equipment and ears than RCA jacks if removed while the circuit is in use, as mentioned above.

Chip
Click to expand...

I stand corrected :)
 
Chip Chester said:
A minor, minor footnote... Let's call it a toenote, it's so small...
KGB1 wrote: "With XLR, all pins are disconnected more or less simultaneously..." The design of XLR connectors is such that the ground connection is made first, followed by the other pins. This is accomplished in the female connector, where the "depth to contact" is shallower on pin 1. This make it kinder to equipment and ears than RCA jacks if removed while the circuit is in use, as mentioned above.

Chip
Click to expand...

Thanks...I adopted a policy a while ago regarding not disconnecting/connecting anything unless the system is shutdown. I took the better safe and sorry approach.

K.
 
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