However, I need recommendations for "moderately" priced balanced interconnects. Also, are there quality adaptors to convert a balanced end into a RCA input or output without major signal loss??
Define "moderately".
If by that you mean as inexpensive as possible, you might want to go and check out a big musical instrument store, (around here we have "Guitar Center" stores).
These types of stores will have the cheaper types of adapters you are looking for. They tend to sell professional equipment so they should be made decently, and yet cost just a few dollars. (I have a pair of RCA to XLR adapters that were all metal, and sounded just fine.)
They have balanced cables too, but I have no idea on the quality of those, as I did not try those out.
My two cents worth.
Good luck in your search.
Recommnedations for moderately price balanced IC's, and adaptors to an RCA end
The title of the thread may be a bit unclear. However, I need recommendations for a "moderately" price balanced interconnects. Also, are there quality adaptors to convert a balanced end into an RCA input or output without major signal loss??
I want to use my Rogue Sphinx hybrid integrated as a pre-amp because it has a variable output (pre-out) for an second amplifier, and connect it to a Balanced Audio Technology VK-200 amp that will only accept balanced. IC's
The Rogue integrated has all RCA input and outputs .Therefore, I also need a recommendation for two XLR to RCA adapters. Eventually, I will buy a separate pre-amp, possibly the new Rogue RP-1.
Thank you
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- 32 posts total
That’s an excellent question, Mesch. And in fact some balanced amps, such as most or all of the the Audio Research Reference series amps, won’t work properly when provided with unbalanced signals via adapters. In those cases apparently only half of the balanced signal path within the amp would see a signal, resulting in a drastic reduction in power capability among other consequences. However the manual for the VK-200 indicates that it can accept unbalanced inputs via adapters. So presumably its input stage has both differential inputs and differential outputs, which when provided with a single-ended input would provide the rest of the amp’s internal signal path with a balanced pair of signals, although presumably 6 db lower in volume than if a balanced pair of inputs were provided. Sunnyjim, I would have some concern about subjecting the Sphinx’s RCA output connectors to the weight of an RCA to XLR adapter plus the weight of the XLR connector on a cable and the weight of the cable itself. So I would either purchase an adapter cable as has been suggested, or use RCA cables in conjunction with adapters such as this one at the amp’s inputs. You might also consider a Jensen Transformer, configured to provide RCA inputs and XLR outputs, although the cost would obviously be much higher than the cost of a pair of adapters. It would convert the unbalanced signal for each channel to a true balanced signal pair. In doing so it would eliminate the possibility of ground loop issues, and provide noise rejection comparable to the performance of a fully balanced interface. Best regards, -- Al |
- 32 posts total