XLR to RCA plugs or cable


I need to be able to plug the output from a phono stage in balanced mode (XLR plugs) into a single ended (RCA plugs) amp. My options are:

1. Buy Neutrik converter plugs (solid and good value)

2.  Buy Cardas converter plugs 6 times neutrik price

3. buy a custom XLR to rca cable?

lohanimal

4. make a custom cable.

 

On a StarQuad I wired it as:

XLR RCA
Pin1 - Cable shield (And ran the shield out before the RCAs and tied it to the phono stage chassis ground.
Pin2 - RCA Center
Pin3 - RCA barrel

It would be interested in to know how your option 3 is done, and whether the option 2 and option 1 differ. I am a fan of Neutrik…

I think you could be better off with option 3 if your cable length is ideally just over a standard size.

OK that assumes good solder equipment
and skills no?

 

It is not very hard, but the custom cable (option 3) is easier.
A good iron, solder, some desolder wicking, flux, and a vice is maybe $100.

What lengths do they need to be?
And how much does the custom cable cost?
Do you have other cables that could benefit from custom lengths?

It is not hard, so it is whether you would ever use it again, which I do, but you may not.
No easy answer here.