Female XLR to RCA?


In a solid state analog system, Is using a connection cable with an XLR Female to an RCA male advisable? I'm interested in a preamp that is variable XLR output only  (both RCA outputs are fixed) Of course my power amp is RCA input only.
Thanks. 

dierksb

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

While you can do it and the sound quality difference may be not be obvious I would not unless this is an intermediary step to get to a fully balanced system.

 

High sound quality sound is the sum of every optimal design, component, sub component, interconnect choice… etc. if sound quality is top of you mind, then I would not start by buying into two compromises… connecting a balanced preamp to a non balanced amp and converting balanced to unbalanced connections. While the penalty may be small… they are not optimal.

I would buy components that are completely physically compatible. Preferably that you have auditioned.