RCA to XLR vs XLR to RCA... Converting Input or Output - Does It Matter??


I just picked up a new DAC that only has RCA outputs whilst my preamp only has XLR inputs.  realizing that a DI box like the Jensen ISO-Max is the proper way to resolve this incompatibility, that's not an immediate solution for me.  in the short term, i was going to use adapters on either the DAC outputs or the preamp inputs.  given the following options, is there any benefit to one vs the other (emi/rfi, noise, etc)...

Option 1:
convert the RCA output on the DAC to XLR via an RCA Male to XLR Male adapter and connect the components using an XLR cable.

Option 2;
convert the XLR input on the preamp to RCA via an RCA Female to XLR Male adapter and connect the components using an RCA cable.

as an alternative to the above, i could also use a converter cable, RCA male to XLR male as a short-term solution.

i know none of the above will turn an unbalanced signal to balanced - these are really only to address jack incompatibilities - and the proper solution is a transformer.  until i'm able to implement that, is there a preferred method from those above?

thanks for any inputs.  
srosenberg

Showing 3 responses by sbank

Which Jensen ISO-max model would even do the job? I don't see one that accepts RCA inputs and has XLR outputs. I've just switched to a single ended Nagra phono stage and am feeding its output into my BAT balanced line stage. Currently I use a pair of single ended cables from the Nagra output and convert via Neutrik adapters at the BAT XLR inputs. Understanding that theoretically "adapters are bad" and add a potential point of entry to noise, what would be a better approach? Perhaps having a cable made that's RCA to XLR within the cable? Don't see too many of these being offered, but I can probably have one made using Mogami cable or something similar...
FWIW, at least the Nagra is battery powered, eliminating any AC noise at the phono stage. Cheers,
Spencer 
@atmasphere Ralph, BAT says their preamps do fine using adapters into their xlrs & they sell adapters like I currently use without trouble. I was just wondering if replacing the adapters w/Jensen tranny and adding another cable would be likely to provide enough Sq improvement to justify the cost.
@almarg thanks for clarification on the various models. Got an opinion on if it would be worthwhile? Cheers,
Spencer 
Thanks guys, I will take your advice and stick with what I have for now and if I run into an rca  to XLR cable down the line, perhaps I will give that a shot just to eliminate the adapters. Cheers,
Spencer