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).
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).