2. cables
  3. 176064-3808

Is mixing RCA and XLR cables bad?

I’m getting a new Lyngdorf HT processor and it only outputs via balanced XLR connection.  All my current cables are RCA and I don’t feel like replacing them all yet (till I research XLR cables), so I’m going with an XLR to RCA adaptor cable.
Lyngdorf specifically mentions that any adapter must have pin 3 lifted.  I found only one appropriate adaptor, made by Emotiva. I can use this for all connections, but my McIntosh mc452 also has specific RCA/XLR instructions that confuse me, so I though maybe I’d buy XLR cable just for the Mac for now. Is this bad? Will the pure XLR connection have different volume output versus the XLR to RCA adaptor connection?  Does it matter?

Appreciate any advice/guidance.

jeffkad

Showing 2 responses by mike_in_nc

mike_in_nc
1,125 posts
 

By lifting pin 3, you are using only half the signal the Lyngdorf is putting out. That will lower the S/N ratio, which may or may not be audible. Using a transformer like the Jensen will better preserve the S/N ratio in the conversion.

I have had hum problems with cable adapters, problems solved by using transformer conversion.

Another option: Audio by Van Alstine (easy to find on the Web) either is offering or will soon offer active conversion boxes between single-ended and balanced. These are likely to be less expensive than transformers -- studio-grade transformers could be $500 or more.

I hope that helps.

mike_in_nc
1,125 posts
 

@testpilot : Exactly, why not just connect the unit via XLR cable???

I agree. Balanced cables made with Mogami W2549 and Neutrik gold XLRs will give very good performance indeed. In my comparisons, they were less colored than an "audiophile" cable costing 20x as much.

You can get them on Amazon from an outfit calling itself "Worlds Best Cables" or made to the exact lengths you need from many pro audio shops. The one I use is ProAudioLA.

A 3-ft pair will cost about $50.

 

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