2. cables
  3. 125531-1644

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  




sunnyjim
hasmarto's avatar
hasmarto
192 posts
 
mensch, if there's no technical mismatch like input/output impedance, etc, between the BAT and Rogue, there should be no concern. I have a full Bat system, but sometimes I use the amps with my CJ preamp, which is, of course, single-ended. I'm using only the hybrid interconnects, no Jensens, and, especially, no adapters. I own two pairs of Cardas adapters, the older big ones, and the smallish, shiny newer ones. They suck. I  also never had the ground loop problem that the other poster mentioned. Of course, if the Rogue is an incompetently designed piece, then anything negative is possible. Personally, I would never mate the Bat piece with Rogue, as I don't think they're in the same league. But that's me.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,466 posts
 
SunnyJim....you're spinning your wheels to think you will get balanced performance using an RCA adapter. 
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
Hi,  is  $750.00 out of your price range?,  this is not an adapter, rather a state of the art accessory that you can have all XLR, RCA, and mismatch the termination's to accommodate your needs,  post or email me directly,  this is a new never done before product in the marketplace 😎
yage
400 posts
 
Al's advice is spot on. One note - if you're considering adding a Jensen transformer into your setup, you need the PI-2RX to go from unbalanced input to balanced output. Pay particular attention to cable lengths as the output cable length needs to be 2 feet or less in order to minimize loss.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

Thanks to all who have responded.  I need to consult Victor K. at BAT to ask him about the XLR to RCA type cable, and probably reconfirm the use of the Rogue variable pre-out with a fully balanced amp.  BTW, Mogami makes such a cable, and also a XLR to XLR cable, both sell for approx between $40-50.recommeded by one of the above members. I Have not checked out the Signal Cables recommended by another.

To Almarg and Hasmarto:  The Mogami cable XLR(female) to  RCA (male connectors) are all of one cable, not an "ADAPTOR" ADD ON to a XLR to XLR cable.  The drawback according to Mogami is that you lose the benefit of reduced noise offered by XLR to XLR which somewhat defeats part of the purpose of using a fully balanced amp.

I understand, Hasmarto's claim that the Rogue Sphinx is not in the same league as the BAT VK-200. As noted the new Rogue RP-1 uses only RCA inputs and outputs, but the pre-amp should be superior to the pre-amp of the Sphinx v.1 or the  upgraded Sphinx v.2. 

 Lastly, I have no intentions of keeping the Sphinx v.1. but also looking for pre-amp with possible both XLR and RCA connectors. I have a Ayre CX-7e mp CD player which is outstanding and has an XLR outputs which an a fully balanced cable should improve its performance

So as it stands, I just need to find  a pre-amp with at least 3 XLR connectors: two obviously for the amp, and one for Ayre CD player. It would be nice to find such a unit with a remote control, and the bonus of of a good quality phono stage. I am not interested in a built in DAC, or HT processor or loops.

AL, thank for the tip about the Neutrik adapter:  Also the headsup about ARC pre-amps not working with a XLR to RCA cables; I saw an ad on AG for a brand new ARC LS-17SE, but it has NO phono stage, (not sure about the remote)  I am also concerned about your comment about a possible reduction of 6 db in volume using an XLR to RCA cable.  I will have to e-mail Victor K. at BAT to get his thoughts on this issue.  Thanks again to all responders!!  Jim     

More to discover