XLR or RCA with your DartZeel?

[Orb]

I have been loaned a Dartzeel 8550 integrated and loving the sound, what I found interesting though is that I prefer the sound via RCA.
Only subtly different but enough that I did find a preference with RCA; XLR seemed a bit more forward and timbre very subtly different.

Anyone else noticed they had a preference or just went with using XLR or RCA without comparing?
Edit:
Just to add using it with Crystal Cable interconnects for both XLR and RCA.

Cheers
Orb

 

[c1ferrari]

Isn't there a 50-ohm conncector (BNC?) as well? Might not be an option dependent on what you have tethered to the Dart.

 

[Orb]

Yeah, although I understand that connection is more specific to Dartzeel interconnection - did not check to see if it is on the 8550 though.
Personally using quality RCA or XLR orientated equipment provides greater options and should be as good as long as the source is well engineered.

Cheers
Orb

 

[asiufy]

Orb,

Depends on what you're hooking the 8550 to. When I tried it with a dCS Puccini, the XLR was inferior. My inferior RCA cable (old NBS) gave the same result as a Nordost Odin on the XLR. But again, these results were for that particular dCS, with those particular cables...

The 50-ohm Zeel link can only be used Playback Design's equipment. I've also heard CH Precision was going to implement these, but I can't find anything on their site...


alexandre

 

[Orb]

Thanks Alexandre and yeah I agree it can also depend upon the source.
I am noticing the same and similar situation that the RCA has an inferior cable and is still more to my preference (RCA was the Crystal Cable Piccolo while XLR was standard Diamond).
Was curious if it was possibly a preference for the cable rather than the RCA setup, when I have the chance in future will get my hands on standard Diamon RCA as well.

Source is a loaned Audio Research CD8, which I understand is pretty close on both RCA and XLR so I am reasonably confident it is not that.

I do wonder how many owners and those who audition thought to try both connections into the Dartzeel, definitely seems worth trying IMO.
Thanks
Orb