Posts: 6
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2024
Reputation:
4
I remember the upgrade from 140 to 220 Pro CI being just ok. Turning that into a 440 Pro CI was jaw dropping. RCA to XLR with lifted ground was better than a digital to digital connection between them. I don’t do fancy cables, I’ve never felt it necessary try squeeze something more.
Posts: 26
Threads: 12
Joined: Apr 2025
Reputation:
1
(18-Jun-2025, 19:15)Eoin Wrote: I remember the upgrade from 140 to 220 Pro CI being just ok. Turning that into a 440 Pro CI was jaw dropping. RCA to XLR with lifted ground was better than a digital to digital connection between them. I don’t do fancy cables, I’ve never felt it necessary try squeeze something more. Seems I’m the only guy on the planet not using this RCA to XLR option. That said, the only manufacturer of said item is charging as much as my 2nd hand 220 for the privilege (AQ Wel). Look, if it’s gonna bring the same level of improvement as my 2nd 220, then let’s go! If not, I’d rather spend my hard earned on a 2nd REL S/812. Please tell me there’s an RCA to XLR out there for less than the cost of a sunny holiday?
Posts: 88
Threads: 2
Joined: Feb 2021
Reputation:
4
(19-Jun-2025, 05:35)Bertie Wrote: (18-Jun-2025, 19:15)Eoin Wrote: I remember the upgrade from 140 to 220 Pro CI being just ok. Turning that into a 440 Pro CI was jaw dropping. RCA to XLR with lifted ground was better than a digital to digital connection between them. I don’t do fancy cables, I’ve never felt it necessary try squeeze something more. Seems I’m the only guy on the planet not using this RCA to XLR option. That said, the only manufacturer of said item is charging as much as my 2nd hand 220 for the privilege (AQ Wel). Look, if it’s gonna bring the same level of improvement as my 2nd 220, then let’s go! If not, I’d rather spend my hard earned on a 2nd REL S/812. Please tell me there’s an RCA to XLR out there for less than the cost of a sunny holiday?
no need, just buy a RCA/XLR convertor and change in the configurator to use RCA to XLR.
Posts: 1,678
Threads: 47
Joined: Aug 2014
Reputation:
37
(19-Jun-2025, 05:35)Bertie Wrote: (18-Jun-2025, 19:15)Eoin Wrote: I remember the upgrade from 140 to 220 Pro CI being just ok. Turning that into a 440 Pro CI was jaw dropping. RCA to XLR with lifted ground was better than a digital to digital connection between them. I don’t do fancy cables, I’ve never felt it necessary try squeeze something more. Seems I’m the only guy on the planet not using this RCA to XLR option. That said, the only manufacturer of said item is charging as much as my 2nd hand 220 for the privilege (AQ Wel). Look, if it’s gonna bring the same level of improvement as my 2nd 220, then let’s go! If not, I’d rather spend my hard earned on a 2nd REL S/812. Please tell me there’s an RCA to XLR out there for less than the cost of a sunny holiday?
I use an RCA to XLR by DH labs. They aren’t expensive and do the job very well. https://silversonic.com/
Oppo BDP-105 - Roon lifetime - Dutch & Dutch 8c - Fiio R9
South Coast England
Posts: 26
Threads: 12
Joined: Apr 2025
Reputation:
1
(20-Jun-2025, 04:08)ray1234 Wrote: (19-Jun-2025, 05:35)Bertie Wrote: (18-Jun-2025, 19:15)Eoin Wrote: I remember the upgrade from 140 to 220 Pro CI being just ok. Turning that into a 440 Pro CI was jaw dropping. RCA to XLR with lifted ground was better than a digital to digital connection between them. I don’t do fancy cables, I’ve never felt it necessary try squeeze something more. Seems I’m the only guy on the planet not using this RCA to XLR option. That said, the only manufacturer of said item is charging as much as my 2nd hand 220 for the privilege (AQ Wel). Look, if it’s gonna bring the same level of improvement as my 2nd 220, then let’s go! If not, I’d rather spend my hard earned on a 2nd REL S/812. Please tell me there’s an RCA to XLR out there for less than the cost of a sunny holiday?
no need, just buy a RCA/XLR convertor and change in the configurator to use RCA to XLR.
So, something like this? https://cpc.farnell.com/neutrik/na2mpmf/...rca+to+xlr
Posts: 2,482
Threads: 46
Joined: May 2014
Reputation:
98
(18-Jun-2025, 19:15)Eoin Wrote: I remember the upgrade from 140 to 220 Pro CI being just ok. Turning that into a 440 Pro CI was jaw dropping. RCA to XLR with lifted ground was better than a digital to digital connection between them. I don’t do fancy cables, I’ve never felt it necessary try squeeze something more.
For the sake of avoiding potential confusion (not trying to pick holes in your post), I'm pretty sure the connection between the two Expert amps in a dual-mono system is always digital, whether it's configured as RCA-to-RCA or RCA-to-XLR.
Roon (Mac Mini), Wilson Benesch Full Circle, Expert 1000 Pro CI, Kaiser Chiara
Warwickshire, UK
Posts: 2
Threads: 0
Joined: Aug 2025
Reputation:
0
I’d personally go for the second REL first. With the Sopra 2s, better low-end balance and room filling bass will probably give you a bigger overall improvement than another 220. You can always add the second amp later once the foundation is solid.
Posts: 572
Threads: 27
Joined: Jul 2015
Reputation:
21
(10-Aug-2025, 20:55)MADLOUR3 Wrote: I’d personally go for the second REL first. With the Sopra 2s, better low-end balance and room filling bass will probably give you a bigger overall improvement than another 220. You can always add the second amp later once the foundation is solid.
I totally agree with you and that was my recommendation to the OP. But he had a different idea.
Posts: 26
Threads: 12
Joined: Apr 2025
Reputation:
1
26-Aug-2025, 21:46
(This post was last modified: 26-Aug-2025, 22:07 by Bertie.)
Bit of a footnote: REL S/812s are being phased out, so just bought one for £2k. Will be driving Bertie senior over for a few days to help setting it up. Dad shares my passion but is now a lapsed audioholic, but loves being involved with all the drama of new equipment!
Obviously, I’m hoping the improvement is somewhere near the order of magnitude the 220-440 was. Will report back my musings…
Posts: 2
Threads: 0
Joined: Aug 2025
Reputation:
0
I’d personally go for the second REL first. With the Sopra 2s, better low-end balance and room filling bass will probably give you a bigger overall improvement than another 220. You can always add the second amp later once the foundation is solid.
|