RCA to XLR adapters?


I currently have a complete single end (RCA) input system but was possibly looking at other amps that are fully balanced and accept only balanced or XLR connections. My question is will these adaptors give you the full benefit of a balanced amp or preamp? Or will it simply was work ok? I have expensive cable that I will not replace but is terminated with RCA's.
bobheinatz

Showing 1 response by xti16

First the XLR output/input voltage is twice that of rca. Second XLR uses differential op amps to cancel noise where rca does not have that feature. Will it work?? YES it will but you will not get all the benefits that XLR has to offer. Remember that XLR was originally designed for commercial purposes (ie long cable runs of 20 to 100ft) hence the doubled output voltage and noise cancellation circuitry.

That being said right now I am demoing balanced vs rca interconnects (same make - model and length) and although I like the XLR connection and if I listen very closely I can hear a slightly wider soundstage. That's it. I prefer rca's for 2 reasons. 1 The gain from XLR is too much (1 meter cables). 2 rca is virtually an industry standard and should I ever go back to all rca I won't have to have the cable re-terminated due to more equipment being rca only (especially reasonable price stuff).