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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
ad010685
hdm
1,056 posts
 
Definitely buy the balanced phono lead. Your cartridge is a balanced device.

If you have a balanced phono preamp chances are it will sound quite a bit better on the balanced input/output now that you have a balanced input on your preamp providing both are balanced designs and don't simply have the XLR's thrown on for show.
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,391 posts
 
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.
ad010685 OP
102 posts
 
Incidentally the phono stage in my case is the Pass Xono, was the same than yours, Zavato?
Thanxs
oldears
386 posts
 
Do not bother with an adapter, it is likely to be worse. For very little money go to a Guitar Center and buy balanced Mogami cables of the length you need, or make your own.
There is a lot of info in the cables forum.
fingerpaws
51 posts
 
I would use balanced cables because they fit better. I think everyone has mentioned the other reasons, but when that connector clicks into place, you are not going to have any problems with ill-fitting RCAs. Perhaps I am remembering the nest of cables I had tri-amping speakers with an external crossover. Keep your eyes open and you will find a used cable here, and that just means it will sound its best right away and cost less.
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