Question for the stereo/hi fi cognoscenti

Rtrorkt · 02-09-2025, 05:51 AM

Have been hitting the secondary markets to replace some aging equipment. Found a Mac 871 CD player for around $0.15 on the dollar and a Mac 2600 tube pre-amp. Still using my old Yamaha M4 amp and my TimeWindows.

There has been a suggestion to use XLR cables between the CD unit and pre-amp since those connections are supposed to be cleaning providing better sound. But the amp is an old unit with only RCA inputs. Right now the units are connected with high quality cable using the RCA connections. Amp is connected to the speaker with Monster Cable

In the opinion of this group, is it worth spending the $350 on the XLR to connect CD and pre-amp.

Thanks you in advance for your advice.

greglepore · 02-09-2025, 06:12 AM

No.

I'd be more interested in what the dac quality is in the cd player.

Gogar · 02-09-2025, 06:14 AM

No.

Can we see the $350 xlr-RCA arrangement? Cause I'll do it for $325

Chocaholic · 02-09-2025, 06:22 AM

The only reason to do XLR is if you’re doing a long run (10’+).

Rtrorkt · 02-09-2025, 08:01 AM

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/legacy-products/dvd-and-blu-ray-players/MVP871. Here is the CD player specs

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/legacy-products/preamplifiers/C2600 here is the pre-amp specs.

Currently connected with .5m high quality RCA cables.

and lastly a pic of the interconnect

Gogar · 02-09-2025, 08:39 AM

You -could use the XLR from the CD player to the preamp if you like since the connections are there, but it's quite unlikely you will experience a revelation of any kind.

If the preamp has RCA out and the has RCA in then use em as is!

Cajundaddy · Cajundaddy's Garage

For long cable runs in an environment with a lot of RF noise like stage lighting, servers etc, balanced cables make sense because they have a discrete ground shielding the audio signal and reduce noise. These could either be XLR or 1/4" TRS ends.

For a home environment with short cable runs and line level signals there is not an audible benefit IMO. Keep the cables as short as reasonably possible and eliminate noisy lighting like dimmers and fluorescents.

Rtrorkt · 02-09-2025, 10:40 AM

Appreciate the feedback. My instinct was to keep the RCA for now.

The interesting result of these new pieces is my CD's sound better, a bit brighter. Not sure if it is the player or the pre-amp. Thinking maybe the pre- amp with its tube base

Bill Douglas · 02-09-2025, 07:23 PM

Speaking of RCA cables a good idea is to get the ends very clean with something like acetone or alcohol, and the same with the ports on the CD player and amp where they plug into.

aschen · 02-10-2025, 06:33 AM

Not sure I 100% get the question. If a balanced connection is available from your cd player to your pre, I would use it. Its better than RCA with higher voltage and common mode noise rejection.

Probably wont sound any better, but if you have a better option might as well use it.

350$ for a set of XLR is absurd. Been there done that in my foolish youth. A nice set of XLR can be for found for around 20$ or splurge on something really nice for 50$.

Chocaholic · 08:09 AM

Here you go…apparently hand made by Swedish virgins and rubbed with rare Mpingo oil creating a sonic marvel as yet unheard by mere mortals. And they come in a lovely wooden box. Available now at less than half of their original cost.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650185588-nordost-odin2-15m-pair-xlr/