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SE RCA to XLR... any benefit?

Quick question, I have my suspicions but wanted to get some feedback.

If I'm feeding a single-ended source into a balanced component is there any advantage to using RCA to XLR cables or do you end up in the same place just letting the device bridge the signal over from RCA inputs into the balanced circuit? 

I know the term balanced is a bit loaded as it is seeming interchangeably used for:
- 3-Pin XLR balanced interconnects 
- Components with a "fully" balanced circuit design
- 4-Pin XLR balanced (dual grounded) headphone cables

In this case, I'm talking about a component (like a balanced pre-amp, or a balanced headphone amp) where the signal coming in from a tube line stage is SE but the component has a balanced circuit and the capability to output balanced. 

Thanks! 
128x128designtaylor
gdnrbob
4,450 posts
 
I would PM Atmasphere (Ralph Karsten) to get a complete understanding of the differences between RCA and XLR, though a little searching on this forum should provide you the same.
Bob
tweak1
3,671 posts
 
MC you are flat out wrong!


crappy rcas suffer from poor connectors which often have micro-leaking issues, especially between cheap rca females
Also, the ground runs along the signal wires, further muddying the signal, just as 2 channels running in parallel on the internal layout of stereo amps. Obviously the problem is minimized if one at least has dual mono amps connected via rcas


Eichmann Cables invented a special rca to eliminate this problem for interconnects


if one subscribes to having a true hi-end system, one needs true balanced kit, which is connected via XLR cables

I certainly hope Ralph chimes in


hth
designtaylor's avatar
designtaylor OP
48 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. Most of the gear I run is balanced and supports balanced interconnects but there are a few items like my TT or a tube line stage I have that are all SE all the time. So really my question is, if a given component is going to take a signal that comes into the unit via SE and then run it through a balanced circuit and output it over balanced interconnects, would there be any benefit to piping the SE signal into the XLR inputs? 

Really more of a thought exercise than a practical problem ;) 
gdnrbob
4,450 posts
 
Once again, I would either call or PM Ralph (Atmasphere).
He knows this stuff inside/out.
Bob
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