Where to get XLR male to male cable

You’re right, the pre and amp both have female connectors. Since the amp is so old (no warranty issues), why not change out the connectors? 

You can find XLR male-male cables at pro audio web sites/stores. For example, Markertek has such cables available. Or you could probably ask Blue Jeans Cable or other cable companies to make you a pair.

Your pictures support what you said. I can’t explain it. I did check the Tara Labs balanced cables that I used between my DR-6 and DR-15, and there is male on one end, and female on the other. I can’t explain the female output on your preamp. I can only guess that they were replaced incorrectly in the past, or installed incorrectly when manufactured and no one tried to use the XLR receptacle until now. You’re right, it does seem strange. Someone else may have a better explanation.

Really weird. Maybe it's a Canadian thing, eh?

Ask Blue Jeans or Signal Cable to make them.

Blue jeans cable sells them , you can get them female/ male , male/ male , female / female just click the drop box and chose what you want no need to ask for a special  order