XLR Balanced
Balanced XLR interconnects for equipment with true balanced circuitry, and for runs where noise rejection matters more than cable length.
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When balanced is the right connection
A balanced connection carries the signal twice, once inverted, and the receiving component cancels anything common to both. Noise picked up along the run disappears in that cancellation, which is why XLR is standard in studios and why it holds up over long distances.
The benefit depends on the equipment rather than the cable. Where both components are balanced from input to output, XLR usually gives a lower noise floor and often a slightly different tonal balance from the same manufacturer's RCA equivalent. Where one component simply provides an XLR socket on a single-ended circuit, the advantage largely disappears and RCA may be the better connection. Check the manual or ask the manufacturer if you are unsure.
XLR also carries a higher output level on most equipment, so expect to use less volume for the same loudness. Cables here can usually be made to order in the length you need with no making charge, and burn-in is available free on request. Comparing XLR against your existing RCA run in your own system is the only test that settles it.
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From£157.50Ex. VATReference XLR 40 builds on the multi-award winning audio 40 range of products, now available in XLR form.
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From£212.46Ex. VATRed River’s solid Long-Grain Copper allows a smoother and clearer sound than cables using regular OFHC (Oxygen-Free High-Conductivity) copper.
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Tellurium Q
Tellurium Q Ultra Black II XLR Balanced Interconnect PairSKU: TQ Ultra Black II XLR
(18 reviews)From£570.00Ex. VATThese are a significant step up from the old Ultra Black XLRs (as you would expect from any of tellurium Q's developments by now). What they found in their listening tests is that the Ultra Black II's are smoother, more accurate and more detailed with more depth / 3 dimensionality. Built to complement the astounding Ultra Black II speaker cable but also stands alone with its performance profile.
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QED
QED Reference XLR 40 2 XLR to 2 XLR Audio Cable - Custom Length PairSKU: QED Reference XLR 40 Custom
(14 reviews)£149.17Ex. VATReference XLR 40 builds on the multi-award winning audio 40 range of products, now available in XLR form. -
From£295.00Ex. VATMackenzie's Perfect-Surface Copper+ has an astonishingly smooth and pure surface. Proprietary metal-processing technology protects the wire’s surface at every stage of drawing and fabrication.
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Tellurium Q
Tellurium Q Black Diamond XLR Balanced Interconnect PairSKU: TQ Black Diamond XLR
(7 reviews)From£1,338.33Ex. VATThe Black Diamond XLR uses Tellurium's own TeCu connector and is the most natural sounding cable in the range, which is saying something. These XLR interconnects have been designed to have the lowest capacitance that Tellurium could build in and the highest possible bandwidth with enhanced shielding.
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QED
QED Reference 40 Analogue Audio Cable - Custom Length XLR or RCA PairSKU: QED Reference 40 Custom-1
(5 reviews)£110.37Ex. VATQED's Reference 40 builds on the multi-award winning audio 40 range of products, available with both XLR and RCA plugs.
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Chord Company
Chord ShawlineX ARAY 2 XLR to 2 XLR Audio Cable PairSKU: Chord ShawlineX XLR
(5 reviews)From£326.25 £362.50Ex. VAT ✓ Save £36.25The Chord Shawline Analogue interconnect is a ground breaking cable in this price range, sharing many of the characteristics that made the Sarum Tuned ARAY such a special cable. These new cables are fitted with XLPE insulation.
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From£407.50Ex. VATYukon's Perfect-Surface Copper+ has an astonishingly smooth and pure surface. Proprietary metal-processing technology protects the wire’s surface at every stage of drawing and fabrication.
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AudioQuest
Audioquest Red River Analogue Audio Cable - Custom Length XLR or RCA PairSKU: Red River Custom
(4 reviews)£166.62Ex. VATCustom terminated by Future Shop's engineers, the AudioQuest Red River offers one of the best performances for its value with the introduction of Long-Grain Copper. This alternative to Oxygen-Free Copper introduces fewer impurities and smoother boundaries, resulting in greatly improved performance.
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Chord Company
Chord Shawline Analogue Audio Cable - XLR - RCA PairSKU: Shawline XLR / RCA
(3 reviews)From£250.00Ex. VATThe Chord Shawline Analogue interconnect is a ground breaking cable in this price range, sharing many of the characteristics that made the Sarum Tuned ARAY such a special cable. -
AudioQuest
Audioquest Mackenzie Analogue Audio Cable - Custom Length XLR or RCA PairSKU: Mackenzie Custom
(3 reviews)£245.00Ex. VATCustom terminated by Future Shop's engineers, the AudioQuest Mackenzie utilises AudioQuests Solid Perfect-Surface Copper+ (PSC+) for greatly improved dynamics and reduced distortions for a cleaner sound signature. The smoother surface on the solid conductors lowers distortion and produces higher performance.