Grado XLR Cable Termination: What You Need to Know
By Grado Labs | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Product Reviews
Learn how Grado XLR cable termination works, when to choose it over a standard phono plug, and what the inline male/female connectors mean for your setup.
Quick answer
Grado's XLR termination places male and female XLR connectors inline a few inches above the phono plug, letting you use the cable either way. This gives you flexibility for balanced or unbalanced connections without swapping cables.
When XLR termination makes sense
If your amplifier or DAC has both XLR and phono (RCA) inputs, a terminated Grado cable with inline XLR connectors lets you switch between them quickly. You don't need a separate cable for each connection type.
The inline design means the XLR connectors sit a few inches above the phono plug, so the cable stays tidy even when you're using the phono end. This is a practical choice for desktop setups where you might change gear or test different outputs.
What the inline connectors mean for your setup
Because both male and female XLR connectors are present, you can plug the cable into an XLR source or an XLR headphone output without an adapter. The phono plug remains at the end, so you still have the option of a standard unbalanced connection.
The trade-off is a slightly heavier cable near the source end due to the added connectors. If your setup is static and you never use XLR, a standard phono termination is lighter and simpler.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Grado XLR cable termination?
- It's an option where a cable is built with XLR male and female connectors placed inline a few inches above the standard phono plug. This allows the cable to be used for either balanced (XLR) or unbalanced (phono) connections.
- Can I use an XLR terminated Grado cable with a standard headphone amp?
- Yes. The phono plug is still present at the end of the cable, so you can plug it into any standard 3.5mm or 1/4-inch headphone output using an adapter if needed. The XLR connectors are inline above the plug, not at the very end.
- Is XLR termination worth it if I only use unbalanced connections?
- Probably not. If you never use balanced XLR inputs, a standard phono termination is lighter, simpler, and less expensive. The XLR option adds connectors and cost without benefit in that scenario. Choose XLR termination only if you need balanced connectivity now or plan to upgrade to balanced gear.
Product details
- Terminate cable with XLR - XLR male and female connectors are inserted inline a few inches above the phono plug, so you can use it either way.: XLR male and female connectors are inserted inline a few inches above the phono plug. You can use the cable with either XLR or phono connections, making it versatile for different amplifiers or headphones without needing a second cable.
Terminate cable with XLR - XLR male and female connectors are inserted inline a few inches above the phono plug, so you can use it either way.
