"Jim H" wrote in message

more from the 'Arny Krueger school' of uk.rec.audio-ism:

That it became the predominate connector for consumer audio is IMO a
miscarriage of justice and technology. The good news is that a proper
audio system can be constructed today with audio signals passing
through exactly zero of these techno-abortions.

Out of interest, what's so bad about the phono connector? They've
always seeemed, on admitedly an uninformed anaysis, to me intuative
and rather neat way to terminate coax.

Has a significent, audible differences between short phono and XLR
terminated cables runs been demonstrated? Or is it merely a
theoretical shortcoming?

Compare and contrast XLR versus RCA

(1) XLR connectors have at least 2 insulated conductors plus ground so they
can be used for balanced I/O. The RCA can't. Advantage - far fewer problems
with hum and noise, particularly in complex setups.

(2) The XLR connector latches in place, so it doesn't fall out of its socket
by accident. The latching mechanism is very robust - you can hang relatively
heavy objects with a good quality XLR cable.

(3) There are no exposed signal-carrying parts with an XLR connectors, so
critical signal-carrying parts are mechanically protected when the plugs are
unmated.

(4) XLR connectors make the ground connection first and break it last. This
reduces noise and transients when you insert or remove them when equipment
is turned on.

(5) XLR connector signal-carrying pins are large and wipe over a long area
when the plug is mated.

(6) XLR connectors are self-centering and self-locating when you mate them.

(7) XLR connectors are very robust - you can step on them, even drive a
truck or run a road roller over them, and they will still work.

(8) Modern XLR connectors incorporate effective cable strain relief and are
easier to assemble than RCA connectors.

(9) Quality XLR connectors are relatively cheap compared to so-called high
quality but poorer performing RCA plugs. You can get a quality XLR connector
from a top manufacturer for under $2 in small quantities.

(10) Quality XLR cables are also relatively cheap compared to so-called high
quality but poorer performing RCA-based interconnects.

What do you suggest instead? I suppose toslink, or phono used digitally?

There's a digital standard that uses XLR plugs. It's called AES/EBU.