Just a thought here but,,,,,,xlr adapters?

IF XLR isn't needed, i.e. long run, existing interference noise: Adapters are primarily to allow the use of an available output type or input type for a variety of reasons.

XLR does not ELIMINATE noise. XLR AVOIDS allowing noise in, especially long runs, i.e. pro installations with a whole lotta wires and gismos, where the chances of infiltration are much greater.

Tape noise, off the tape into the head is within the signal. Only processing of some kind will change tape noise. Despite the highest noise relative to signal (lowest s/n ratio), my R2R Tape is my best sounding source. Same content: everyone always picks tape over LP over CD.

People say XLR is BETTER. Other than solving a problem that 99.9% of us do not have, i.e. I’ve NEVER had interference noise in 50 years, even with the cheapest RCA’s imaginable:

How is XLR Better for 6’ run with zero interference to begin with?????.

XLR is SAFER, OK, but How Better?

Adding XLR adapters will make matters worse.  The audio signal will just have to travel through another device.  The beneficial feature of XLR connectors is that they are used on balanced cables, which you don't have, and can't have, in your system as described.

I was told by a designer of high-end DACs that the digital signal much prefers the AES/EBU to the point that using adapters to RCA is still a net positive.  I’ve no personal experience doing this, but I trust his advice as much as adding extra connections goes against my intuitive grain. 

@joes44  - I had a similar question to yours and thought of using a pre-amp to deal with the different connctors - see...

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/is-the-schiit-magnius-up-to-the-task

But the type of cable/connector will NOT resolve Tape Noise

Regards - Steve

If one of the components uses a single ended input/output, then it doesn’t matter if you use a xlr adapter or not it will receive/send a single ended signal. Probably this has been stated, it will do nothing to eliminate tape noise.

ozzy