IF XLR isn't needed, i.e. long run, existing interference noise: Adapters are primarily to allow the use of an available output type or input type for a variety of reasons.
XLR does not ELIMINATE noise. XLR AVOIDS allowing noise in, especially long runs, i.e. pro installations with a whole lotta wires and gismos, where the chances of infiltration are much greater.
Tape noise, off the tape into the head is within the signal. Only processing of some kind will change tape noise. Despite the highest noise relative to signal (lowest s/n ratio), my R2R Tape is my best sounding source. Same content: everyone always picks tape over LP over CD.
People say XLR is BETTER. Other than solving a problem that 99.9% of us do not have, i.e. I’ve NEVER had interference noise in 50 years, even with the cheapest RCA’s imaginable:
How is XLR Better for 6’ run with zero interference to begin with?????.
XLR is SAFER, OK, but How Better?