I would contact the manufacturer of the phono stage and ask which output is cleanest. I had the same question and asked Pass Labs (manufacturer of my phono stage and integrated) what's the best connection. They told me that out of the phono stage RCA is recommended. Thus just becuase there is an XLR output don't assume it's the best way to go.
RCA to XLR adapter vs buy a balanced cable
Hi, I have a phono stage with XLR or RCA output. Till now I was connecting it by RCA IC. Having changed the preamplifier to a balanced one I have now two options:
1) buy good RCA to XLR adaptor (Cardas?) to enter in the preamp (please note my power amp is unbalanced, so output from pre will be by RCA
2) Using same amount of money (approx 160 Eur) for a full balanced cable(In this way, phono stage output will be balanced and pre input too)
It might sound a stupid question, but I have limited budget for my toys and need to maximazi benefits
Thanxs if you would give attention to this
Cheers
Daniel
1) buy good RCA to XLR adaptor (Cardas?) to enter in the preamp (please note my power amp is unbalanced, so output from pre will be by RCA
2) Using same amount of money (approx 160 Eur) for a full balanced cable(In this way, phono stage output will be balanced and pre input too)
It might sound a stupid question, but I have limited budget for my toys and need to maximazi benefits
Thanxs if you would give attention to this
Cheers
Daniel