Just a thought here but,,,,,,xlr adapters?

If one of the components uses a single ended input/output, then it doesn’t matter if you use a xlr adapter or not it will receive/send a single ended signal. Probably this has been stated, it will do nothing to eliminate tape noise.

ozzy

@joes44  - I had a similar question to yours and thought of using a pre-amp to deal with the different connctors - see...

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/is-the-schiit-magnius-up-to-the-task

But the type of cable/connector will NOT resolve Tape Noise

Regards - Steve

I was told by a designer of high-end DACs that the digital signal much prefers the AES/EBU to the point that using adapters to RCA is still a net positive.  I’ve no personal experience doing this, but I trust his advice as much as adding extra connections goes against my intuitive grain. 

Adding XLR adapters will make matters worse.  The audio signal will just have to travel through another device.  The beneficial feature of XLR connectors is that they are used on balanced cables, which you don't have, and can't have, in your system as described.

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?

Well your statement makes sense,

"the XLR may actually have to do extra work to deal with the single ended signal. I try to keep things simple."

I was just wondering if there was any other experiences out there.

Well back to pre-amp-rca ,,,,,,,

thanx

RCA are the limiting feature. You may add XLR adaptors if you like, but nothing will change.

In fact, and I’m happy to be corrected, the XLR may actually have to do extra work to deal with the single ended signal. I try to keep things simple.

I don’t pretend to understand your description of the setup very well, so what I said is a general statement.

I’ve been told by @bigkidz who designs high-end DACs that you’re better off using AES/EBU (the digital version of XLR) converters than using just RCA connectors.  Could be wrong, so hopefully he’ll chime in here. 

I do that in reverse, pro deck. No idea what you are thinking about tape noise. You can’t increase the 65 db @15 ips without a compander.