In most cases, this should be fine. Though, if by design the preamp only has balanced outs, it may expect a balanced power amp, so the output gain of the preamp may be 3db lower if you use an XLR to RCA cable or connector. The impedance may also change, but typically it should be fine. What preamp and amp are you matching together? |
There's nothing magic about an XLR connector. Their advantage in long runs is only when they're used in balanced circuits. It's not uncommon to see XLR connectors used in a conventional unbalanced circuit.
Some XLR connectors lock (most do), some don't. Some RCA connectors lock (most don't), some do. |
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. |
@ghdprentice thanks So I can cross that off my list.. |
This is correct. Running balanced has many benefits, not least reducing noise and making the connected system more robust. I have run balanced for many years, from cartridge to power amp.
By the way, I wonder if we should be referring to connectors as 'female' any longer. In today's strange world there are increasing numbers of females who do not have the equipment that is connoted but the use of the term in audio and electronics parlance. |
Sure, you can wire it that way. But note that rca has 2 terminals and that XLR has 3 terminals. XLR/XLR has three wires, rca/rca, has 2 wires. The 3rd wire/terminal, becomes obsolete and is shorted out. Q: are you making your own cable? This wiring method negates the advantages of using XLR. The connections will not be balanced and cannot have as long of a run, <25’. Impedance will be higher as well. In this case, neither has an advantage over the other. Only a balanced terminal at each end, and fully balanced electronics, will give you a balanced circuit. Might as well have rca at each end, it’s probably less expensive cable that will give you the same result. You can look up how to terminate rca to XLR on the Internet. |
Less Hum, Less Buzz Do you have these problems in your home system with short runs? I sincerely doubt it. https://www.audioaffair.co.uk/blog/xlr-vs-rca-interconnects-is-there-a-difference/ I've got xlr/xlr; xlr/rca; rca/rca. There is no sound quality difference here. Some slight volume differences. OUALITY of any cable's innards can make a difference, emphasis 'CAN'. I changed all my RCA/RCA to locking connectors. All my XLR are locking. |
@ michaellent the preamp I’m looking at has three balanced inputs and three RCA unbalanced inputs. I would be using the units’ unbalanced RCA inputs as I have no balanced out puts on any of my sources. Neither would I be wiring these cables myself. It would be a short run. 4 feet max, most likely 3 feet. I would be purchasing them from an audio cable manufacturer. Here’s the link. |
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Thanks for the sound advice. A friend of mine referred these people to me for replacing old interconnects. They're out of Seattle Washington. I bought three sets of RCA terminated interconnects from them. I have no regrets buying them.
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