Connections & formats
XLR
Also called XLR cable, three-pin XLR, four-pin XLR
XLR is the locking three-pin connector used for balanced analog connections between hi-fi components and in professional audio. A four-pin version carries a balanced signal to headphones from a desktop amplifier.
The three pins carry ground plus two signal conductors with matched impedances; the receiver amplifies only the difference between them, so noise picked up equally on both cancels, the principle behind a Balanced vs single-ended connection. Most balanced outputs also drive the two in opposite polarity. The latch stops the cable pulling out, and the same connector carries microphones and AES3 digital audio in studios.
On a DAC or Preamp, XLR outputs sometimes come from a more capable output stage than the RCA ones, which is a reason to prefer them beyond noise rejection. Whether they sound better in a typical home setup is debated; the measurable differences are small over short cables.
Four-pin XLR headphone outputs were the balanced standard on desktop amplifiers before the 4.4mm plug arrived, and many amplifiers still offer both.
Where you’ll see this on tonistry.
- XLR is one of the connection types members pick when they draw a signal chain.