[GeorgeAb]

I run XLR exclusively in my 2 channel setup. I “believe” that it is not just the balanced topology, but that the XLR connector having small copper contacts where most interconnects are either large hunks of brass (copper/zinc) or a large hunk of copper. I absolutely love the Electra Cable Tube Connectors that GR Research sells for speaker connections where you get rid of the hunk of brass or copper for as close to a copper wire to wire connection as possible.  I wrote about them here:  https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=181157.msg1903676#msg1903676

So with that in mind I looked for some interconnect connectors that had small copper contacts rather than hunks of copper or worse yet brass. So I bought these off of Ali Express for like $13 (purchased well over a year ago, they are now $18, but they can be found cheaper) for 4 connectors to try out. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255801046130529.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.20.524318025f43aZ&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt&_randl_shipto=US. They seem to be getting "close" to the KLE connectors: https://www.soniccraft.com/product_info.php/kle-innovations-classic-harmony-p-5241

Just sent my DAC in for modification so I had to move my Chord Qutest (uses RCA outputs) from headset setup to 2 channel rig. In my headset setup had been using Kimbler Kable PBJ with large brass connectors. Swapped these connectors in (purchased over a year ago, but never had the inclination or need to use) for my headset setup. For my 2 channel setup had a spare meter of Harmonic Technology Pro Silway II laying around which has a combination of silver and copper wire and put these connectors on. I normally use Kimbe Kable KCAG (silver stranded) with XLR connectors in 2 channel rig. I like them.

So in the 2 channel setup with different DAC and Harmonic Technology Pro Silway II single ended comparing to my normal KCAG XLR like who knows… too many variables. However, had a headphone listening session last evening where I went from cheap large hunks of brass to these small copper contact area interconnect connectors using same PBJ wire. I can say it is different and improved. No I’m not going to pull out a thesaurus to describe differences, but they deal with space within the soundstage.

They are well made, look good, and perform exceptionally IMO. When soldering use a heat sink, put the male RCA into a female RCA so heat has someplace to go other than nylon housing. These are inexpensive and “may” out perform a $300 set WBT connectors that are a large hunk of copper. IMO they definitely outperform a quality brass connector.   

[whydontumarryit]

There appears to be a substantial weight to those cables. I hope they don't break the jacks on the qutest. If I had your expertise at soldering I would have connected the cables directly to the qutest pcb. Sort of eliminating the middle man. Maybe you need IC risers to go with your cable risers?

[walkern]

I've been using a version of these for a while, although I've been overpaying pretty dramatically buying from partsconnexion in Canada https://www.partsconnexion.com/AECO-88071.html.  I too have found them to be (a) very easy to work with, (b) very nicely constructed, and (3) excellent sounding with my DIY cable projects.  Thanks for the link to a less costly alternative.