Neither is a common connection for passive speakers (I have seen both though). That's why the speakers you mentioned don't have XLRsIs XLR significantly better than RCA?
If that's the case then why don't big manufacturers use them on their products? Kef r3, ls50 meta, elac dbr 62 etc. don't have XLR.
How come brands like Edifier (more focused on casual consumer) use XLR and brands like KEF (more focused on demanding/audiophile consumers) don't? That's what's confusing to me and makes me wonder if the XLR makes a real difference.RCA is fine for most people using consumer audio electronics.
XLR would just increase the cost of an electronics device, over RCA, for consumer level products.
XLR is better for audio professionals, they are willing to pay more.
There is more than the connecter at play here. XKR is typically balanced and low impedance. RCA are high impedance. The XLR can provide long distance connecting where the RCA is typically short distance.How come brands like Edifier (more focused on casual consumer) use XLR and brands like KEF (more focused on demanding/audiophile consumers) don't? That's what's confusing to me and makes me wonder if the XLR makes a real difference.
For example Kef Reference 1 (10k usd) does not have XLR while Edifier S3000PRO (500 usd) does. And there are many examples, many high end passive speakers don't use XLR.
First ask the question "is the speaker passive or active (amps built in)". In most case the XLR is only used with active speakers. RCA is rarely used with either and is not a good choice period.How come brands like Edifier (more focused on casual consumer) use XLR and brands like KEF (more focused on demanding/audiophile consumers) don't? That's what's confusing to me and makes me wonder if the XLR makes a real difference.
For example Kef Reference 1 (10k usd) does not have XLR while Edifier S3000PRO (500 usd) does. And there are many examples, many high end passive speakers don't use XLR.
XKR is typically balanced and low impedance. RCA are high impedance. The XLR can provide long distance connecting where the RCA is typically short distance.
XLR connector cannot accommodate thick cables.Why is that? Why isn't it used for passive as well?
Passive speakers usually have higher current demands than an XLR will support, since XLR is used for microphone level and line levels.Why is that? Why isn't it used for passive as well?
I was unaware of that. Thanks.That's actually not accurate. With modern gear, the outputs which use RCA can have the same low output impedance
Man no love for Camac/Lemo connectors like they use at CERN?The RCA plug is very old and was originally called the RMA (Radio Manufacturers of America) plug. It was intended as a cheap method of connecting turntables to table radios. It was never intended for high fidelity use. Kind of like cassettes where an inferior technology was shoehorned into the mainstream in a capacity for which it was not originally intended, with predictable results. RCA plugs are utterly terrible for purpose but have hung on in audio by sheer brute force.
XLR was always a professional connector and is utterly reliable but is unfortunately expensive in the context of most consumer audio. XLRs also take up a load of real estate on a chassis, which means a bigger and more expensive box.
If I ruled the world, I'd standardize on BNC connectors for audio. They are completely reliable, and very importantly, are captive and won't pull out by accident like an RCA will. Some high end gear uses them and they try to make them seem 'Oh sooo exclusive'. but in reality they are very reasonably priced.
Another reason is simply 2 wire Vs 3.Why is that? Why isn't it used for passive as well?
That is very likely the bottom line.@MakeMineVinyl So would it be safe to say that the connectors don't affect the audio quality when it comes to passive speakers? Be it banana plug or others. There are no superior connectors for modern passive speakers
Passive speakers are connected to the output of an amplifier.Why is that? Why isn't it used for passive as well?