Key Differences Between RCA and XLR for DAC to Amp Connection

1. Noise & Interference
   XLR (Balanced): Offers better noise rejection due to common-mode noise cancellation, especially useful in long cable runs or noisy environments.
   RCA (Unbalanced): More susceptible to ground loops and interference, but in a short-distance setup (under 1-2 meters), this is usually not a major issue.
2. Signal Strength & Voltage
   XLR: Typically carries a higher voltage signal (often 4V+), which can result in better dynamic range and a lower noise floor.
   RCA: Standard output is 2V, meaning potentially lower signal strength and a slightly higher noise floor.
3. Audio Quality
   In very short distances (<1m) with well-shielded cables, the difference is minimal.
   However, some high-end DACs and amplifiers may have better circuitry on their balanced outputs, leading to slightly better performance with XLR.
4. Ground Loops & Hum
   XLR connections help prevent ground loops, which can cause hum or buzz in RCA setups, especially when multiple devices share power sources.

When to Use RCA vs. XLR for High-End Audio

1. Use RCA if your system is fully unbalanced, the cables are short (<1m), and you don’t have noise issues.
2. Use XLR if your components have true balanced circuitry, and you want the best noise immunity and higher signal strength.

For high-end audio in close distance, XLR may provide a slight advantage in noise rejection and signal clarity, but RCA can still sound excellent if your system is well-designed and interference-free.