F-XLR to M-RCA recommendations

@tyray, thanks. Just on your earlier post about galvanic isolation - that generally involves using a transformer in, generally, a DAC, to isolate the DAC from incoming noise on the USB input.

However, transformers are often used in balanced circuitry - especially in pro audio - so that can make things a bit confusing.

@OP - there is zero point in using balanced connectors unless the connection is balanced to balanced. Balanced circuits are designed to cancel common mode noise, but to do this they only work if the source and receiving component have balanced inputs. Even then, depending on the quality of the balancing circuitry, a single ended connection may be better.+1 to fatdaddy2 for the earlier post on this which bears repeating.

@yoyoyaya Agree with all this, but in @tyray’s case he’s considering a new DAC with only balanced XLR outputs, no RCA outs. And I assume his downstream component / amp has only RCA inputs. It’s certainly a less common use case to interface like this, but it happens.

So looking at the Laiv (I was searching for "microDAC" when it’s written µDAC lol), it says "discrete class A output buffer". Yeah, you want the Cardas XLR (female) to RCA (female) adapator with its stock configuration (pin 3 open). OR use a Jensen ISO Max box for transformer based XLR to RCA conversion.

With the adaptors you’ll have half of the Laiv’s output stage (negative phase for L and R) idling (with class A it's still producing full heat at idle, but safe), but it will work fine this way. With the ISO Max you’d have the extra box / interconnect and "might" hear the effect of the transformer - but in my experience with ISO Max going the other way (RCA to XLR), they’re pretty damn good!

@mulveling, fair point - I missed that. That being the case, I think tyray would be better looking at a different DAC. If not, I second your recommendation of using a transformer to convert balanced to single ended. Still, its an awful lot of faffing around for a cheap DAC.

I love how gauging the efficacy of the cables on Amazon came down to them costing too little.  Because yes, you guarantee yourself a much better product and experience just by finding something that costs more.  

Anyway, a DAC with only balanced outputs should be connected to balanced inputs.  If nothing has been purchased yet, I wouldn't be looking at adapters, I would be looking at different gear. 

Still, it’s an awful lot of faffing around for a cheap DAC.

I actually was looking at a more expensive DAC. It was the Laiv Harmony DAC for $2700, but right now and in the near future that’s just to much money for me to allocate for a DAC.

So to my surprise, the logrhythm directed me to this Steve Huff pre-view of the Liav Harmony µDAC, a smaller version of the Laiv Harmony DAC and it pique my interest.

The new $994 R2R DAC from LAIV is making music in the system today. It’s a smaller more compact form factor but uses the same R2R architecture as the full size Harmony. This one is called the Harmony uDAC. This is a super value and is loaded with features and build quality not usually seen at this price. First impressions is that it sounds 90- 95% the same as the larger Harmony for 1/3 the cost. Seems a touch more relaxed vs the full size but these are first impressions that can change. More soon. :)

And when I read -

’This is a super value and is loaded with features and build quality not usually seen at this price. First impressions is that it sounds 90- 95% the same as the larger Harmony for 1/3 the cost.’

That really got my attention. Not to mention that sometimes in audio, some things come around and turn out to be giant killers, for their lesser price.

Anyway, a DAC with only balanced outputs should be connected to balanced inputs.  If nothing has been purchased yet, I wouldn't be looking at adapters, I would be looking at different gear. 

Now I absolutely don’t see anything wrong running the Liav µDAC through my Eversolo DMP-A8. Without the need or expense of adapters or other add ons. As I wrote earlier, I will repeat what also I said in a previous post.

@steakster, thanks for the thoughtful answer/explanation. If I do decide to get the Liav µDAC I’d run it through my Eversolo DMP-A8 XLR input connectors.

And y’all forgive me for going off topic, as I am also interested in from the Harmony line up, the Laiv Harmony µDDC for $849. So I just started to imagine the possibilities...

Thanks to the @OP, I was able to take the opportunity here to bounce ideas on, off and around here, on this post, and learn a thing or two.