XLR-RCA adapter

If you are adapting an XLR output to an RCA input I would avoid most adapters, as most of them short the signal on pin 3 to ground (pin 1).  The circuits which drive the XLR outputs of some components will not be happy with that, either immediately or with respect to long-term reliability.  See this thread, for example.

My understanding is that on special order Cardas can supply adapters which leave pin 3 unconnected.  Or you could have a cable supplier custom make an adapter cable which leaves pin 3 unconnected.

If you are adapting an RCA output to an XLR input that would not be an issue (pin 3 **should** be grounded in that situation, assuming the equipment is designed with the usual pin assignments used in the USA and many other countries).  In that case I suspect that if the Cardas adapters have any advantage compared to an inexpensive adapter such as this one it would be due to the gold-plated contact surfaces some of the Cardas adapters appear to provide.

Regards,
-- Al
 

BTW, if by any chance you would be adapting to the inputs of an Audio Research balanced power amp that provides only XLR inputs, be aware that many of those amps are a bit unusual in that they will not work properly if the XLR inputs are provided with single-ended signals, which is what an adapter or adapter cable will do.

Regards,
-- Al

Cardas is the best none is better!!