XLR Connector Comparison

I agree with Redkiwi. I've build quite a few cables with different XLR connectors and my least favorite is Neutrik. The reason "most mfg's use them" is cost related, they can easily be had for about five bucks a piece. I'm not saying cost is the only factor, only saying that sometimes you get what you pay for.

I've found the Vampire and Furutechs to be superbly designed plugs that are easy to work with, have a superior strain relief design and offer solid performance. The Bocchino plugs are nice but overly priced for what they are but, the Furutechs are a bit pricey as well.

i've seen enough high dollar cables to know that neutriks are a valid solution. cost is not the reason IME. its that they do the least wrong.

the only people who can fairly comment on which connector sounds the best are those who've constructed same cable except the connectors...and i've seen them use neutriks (i'll be reviewing a set on PFO later this yr).

I have constructed the same cable with Neutrik and DH Labs(possibly identical to Vampire). I can't hear any difference.

Rhyno, my comments above are based on exactly what you say - the exact same cable but with different connectors. The Neutriks are not fit for the best interconnects, say $1000 plus a pair, but are absolutely fine for interconnects that compete with interconnects up to say $500. Don't take me too literally on that, I am just giving you an indication that I rate them up to a point. I have used over a hundred of them but would recommend you try the Switchcraft for around the same price. The top XLRs are sadly also very expensive, but have to admit I don't have a heap of experience of the Vampires yet.

My biggest complaint on the Neutriks doesn't come from their performance but rather comes from a mfg's point of view and it's the strain relief design. Working with a "clamping" type strain relief vs the Neutrik "twisting" type of strain relief can be a royal pain to work with and I've had problems using that type in the past. The plugs sound fine and lock into place fine(though not as solid as some other plugs), I just don't like working with them. To much risk of something going wrong later on down the road. Of course this is just my opinion and you know what they say about those.... ;)

John