No, that would not be a good idea in this particular case.
Most XLR-to-RCA adapters short the signal on XLR pin 3 to ground (XLR pin 1). While that is appropriate when adapting to an XLR input, and is also often appropriate when adapting XLR outputs which are transformer coupled, it would be inappropriate and perhaps even harmful in this case. According to the SSP-800’s manual pin 1 is connected internally to signal ground (as opposed to chassis ground), and the output impedance of its analog outputs is only 56 ohms (although it is unclear whether that applies to the unbalanced outputs or the balanced outputs or both).
So using an adapter as you propose would most likely result in shorting a signal supplied from a particularly low impedance output directly to signal ground. Which in turn would stand a very good chance of causing problems eventually if not sooner, including even the possibility of damage. For example, see this thread.
On the other hand, I believe that Cardas can supply adapters on special order which leave pin 3 unconnected. Or a cable supplier could custom make an adapter cable which accomplishes the same thing. But FWIW my guess is that neither alternative is likely to resolve the problem.
What is likely to resolve the problem, IMO, would be inserting a suitably chosen Jensen "Iso-Max" transformer between the two components, although they cost ca. $250 to $300:
http://www.jensen-transformers.com/home-theater/audiophile/
Regards,
-- Al
Most XLR-to-RCA adapters short the signal on XLR pin 3 to ground (XLR pin 1). While that is appropriate when adapting to an XLR input, and is also often appropriate when adapting XLR outputs which are transformer coupled, it would be inappropriate and perhaps even harmful in this case. According to the SSP-800’s manual pin 1 is connected internally to signal ground (as opposed to chassis ground), and the output impedance of its analog outputs is only 56 ohms (although it is unclear whether that applies to the unbalanced outputs or the balanced outputs or both).
So using an adapter as you propose would most likely result in shorting a signal supplied from a particularly low impedance output directly to signal ground. Which in turn would stand a very good chance of causing problems eventually if not sooner, including even the possibility of damage. For example, see this thread.
On the other hand, I believe that Cardas can supply adapters on special order which leave pin 3 unconnected. Or a cable supplier could custom make an adapter cable which accomplishes the same thing. But FWIW my guess is that neither alternative is likely to resolve the problem.
What is likely to resolve the problem, IMO, would be inserting a suitably chosen Jensen "Iso-Max" transformer between the two components, although they cost ca. $250 to $300:
http://www.jensen-transformers.com/home-theater/audiophile/
Regards,
-- Al