No, don't do that. There would be a gross impedance mismatch between the output impedance of the player and the impedance of the cable, resulting in waveform distortion. Also, you would be putting an unbalanced digital signal into a balanced input. It MIGHT function, but it surely won't be optimal.
What you would need is a S/PDIF to AES/EBU converter, preferably one that is explicitly specified to be able to handle the highest data rate that will be required. Here is one such device, which is specified to be able to handle 24 bit/96 kHz data, as indicated here. A little searching will probably turn up less expensive alternatives, as this one provides conversion in both directions simultaneously, which you don't need.
Also, of course, if the pre-pro provides rca and/or bnc input connectors, you could replace your cable with a 75 ohm coax and connect to one of those.
Regards,
-- Al
What you would need is a S/PDIF to AES/EBU converter, preferably one that is explicitly specified to be able to handle the highest data rate that will be required. Here is one such device, which is specified to be able to handle 24 bit/96 kHz data, as indicated here. A little searching will probably turn up less expensive alternatives, as this one provides conversion in both directions simultaneously, which you don't need.
Also, of course, if the pre-pro provides rca and/or bnc input connectors, you could replace your cable with a 75 ohm coax and connect to one of those.
Regards,
-- Al