High Z or Low Z impedance RCA or XLR for MSB Analog DAC

[alfa100]

I have high Z, XLR Transparent audio XLR interconnect from MSB Analog DAC to Pass Labs amplifier.
The Analog DAC is not a true Balanced DAC but still has XLR output .MSB states that RCA interconnect is better for this DAC
Pass Labs amp is true balanced.

I have tried the RCA version of Transparent ref with mm2 tech calibrated LOW Z . Comparing to XLR version but HIGH Z (mine) I find the following:
midrange , midbass and bass has more weight , but low low low bass weaker with RCA.
air between instruments not as good with RCA.

Comments are welcome
the RCA is calibrated for LOW Z and XLR for high Z.
MSB output impedance is 100 ohms on balanced and 53 on single ended .

If I recalibrate my XLR to low z will it be better?

Should I swop my high Z XLR for low Z RCA? I could bit I do not want to lose out on the low bass .

 

[edorr]

I have high Z, XLR Transparent audio XLR interconnect from MSB Analog DAC to Pass Labs amplifier.
The Analog DAC is not a true Balanced DAC but still has XLR output .MSB states that RCA interconnect is better for this DAC
Pass Labs amp is true balanced.

I have tried the RCA version of Transparent ref with mm2 tech calibrated LOW Z . Comparing to XLR version but HIGH Z (mine) I find the following:
midrange , midbass and bass has more weight , but low low low bass weaker with RCA.
air between instruments not as good with RCA.

Comments are welcome
the RCA is calibrated for LOW Z and XLR for high Z.
MSB impedance value measured is about 120 for XLR but 100 ACCORDING TO msb ......and 53 FOR RCA .

If I recalibrate my XLR to low z will it be better?

Should I swop my high Z XLR for low Z RCA? I could bit I do not want to lose out on the low bass .

The cut-off for lo-Z is 100 Ohm, so at 53 Ohm you should use lo-Z calibration.

 

[alfa100]

Hi edorr
the RCA cable I am trying is set low Z which is correct for Analog DAC single ended ouput impedance of 53 Ohm .
My Balanced cable is calibrated high Z. MSB states their Analog DAC output impedance is 100ohm in balanced mode. 100ohm is cut off point. Transparent audio says that they have measured the Analog DAC has 120 ohm impedance on balanced output. hence should I recalibrate my XLR to low Z

 

[edorr]

Hi edorr
the RCA cable I am trying is set low Z which is correct for Analog DAC single ended ouput impedance of 53 Ohm .
My Balanced cable is calibrated high Z. MSB states their Analog DAC output impedance is 100ohm in balanced mode. 100ohm is cut off point. Transparent audio says that they have measured the Analog DAC has 120 ohm impedance on balanced output. hence should I recalibrate my XLR to low Z

At 120 sounds like the balanced should be a Hi-Z but easiest is asking Transparent. They are very responsive.

 

[alfa100]

edorr
sorry my mistake
the MSB is 100 ohms on balanced line as measured by Transparent Audio . question remains . as 100 is cut off is there any benefit in recalibrating lo Z on xlr cable?
apologies for error

 

[edorr]

edorr
sorry my mistake
the MSB is 100 ohms on balanced line as measured by Transparent Audio . question remains . as 100 is cut off is there any benefit in recalibrating lo Z on xlr cable?
apologies for error

At 100 Ohm, its a crapshoot. I would not sweat is and just use whatever you got your hands on and enjoy the music.

 

[alfa100]

Thank you edorr
Agreed !!! and i wish it was that simple.

I often wonder why we bother with improvements or finding the best.
"addicted to the best"

 

[Speedskater]

What in the heck is a Low Z analog interconnect cable?
And why would it matter?

 

[jfrech]

What in the heck is a Low Z analog interconnect cable?
And why would it matter?

Some cables, like Transparent, are tuned to match impedances between components. Hi z or Low z is the two versions in this particular cable. Other Transparent cables are precisely matched to each component. If you change components...you have to send the cables back to be retuned...

Here is more info from this manufacturer...a few other companies do this as well...

http://www.transparentcable.com/design/audio_cable_networks.php?catID=1&modCAT=1
http://www.transparentcable.com/design/audio_cable_networks2.php?catID=1&modCAT=1

 

[Speedskater]

I see, it's a filter network, not just a cable.

The exact opposite of some DC to light cables.

***********************************************************

They reference Henry W. Ott. Reading Mr. Ott is always a good thing.

"Balanced vs. Unbalanced Audio System Interconnections" (pdf file)
http://www.hottconsultants.com/pdf_files/Audio Interconnections.pdf

"Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering" book
http://www.hottconsultants.com/EMCE_book_files/emce_book.html

 

[alfa100]

jfrech ,thank you for replying to Speedskater.
Speedskater, thank you for the links.

 

[alfa100]

i now have Transparent Audio Ref MM2 XLR low Z...... sounds great;
Better than high Z XLR and better than low Z RCA of the same Ref MM2.
As expected I had to make changes to speaker position and wait for cable to burn in and settle down. the process drove me nuts. I hope I never have to go through this again.

 

[alfa100]

Nascimento, My email showed me ur post but I do not see ur post on this thread . The answer to your question depends on whether your are using the Transparent IC on the input or output of the preamp and the impedance values of the connected component .

 

[Nascimento]

Hello Alfa100, only after posting did I realize that the last reply was in 2015. In order not to dig up the topic, I deleted the message!

To connect an Accuphase C-3900 preamplifier, which has a 600ohm output, to the Accuphase A-80 amplifier, I am buying a Transparent Cable Reference model balanced, measuring 6 meters in length (Generation 6). I was in doubt between choosing Low Z or High Z!

 

[alfa100]

Hello Alfa100, only after posting did I realize that the last reply was in 2015. In order not to dig up the topic, I deleted the message!

To connect an Accuphase C-3900 preamplifier, which has a 600ohm output, to the Accuphase A-80 amplifier, I am buying a Transparent Cable Reference model balanced, measuring 6 meters in length (Generation 6). I was in doubt between choosing Low Z or High Z!

I would go High Z

 

[Nascimento]

After going through the pre and power models, Transparent recommended Low Z!