2. amps-preamps
  3. 181242-145450

Okay to use RCA adapter on a fully balanced amp?

Not a XLR is better or RCA is better question BUT if I have an amp (Digital Amplifier Co) that is fully balanced and only has XLR inputs, if you use a converter and go RCA from a Preamp, are you losing out in quality?

 

Here is something from audioholics and their review of one of their amps - 

"The MEGAschino is a true fully balanced differential amplifier from input to output. It is essentially two  amps for each channel, and one amp per phase. This means it really should be used in a fully balanced system.The manufacturer supplies an XLR to RCA adapter, but these should not be used. If a balanced connection cannot be used, note that the amp cannot be driven to full power from a 2-volt single-ended output, the limit of most receivers."

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Showing 1 response by carlsbad

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

You likely will experiience no difference. However, instead of an adapter, I would make or have made a quality cable with XLR on one end and RCA on the other.

@soix   You are assuming there is an inherent benefit to balanced cables.  Many, if not most, do not agree with that assumption.  Having multiple inputs=good.  Having ability to accomodate both xlr and rca=good.  Needing another RCA because your component doesn't have xlr out=common problem.

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