Female XLR to RCA?

elliottbnewcombjr

XLR is really for Pro use with long runs, prevents interference to signals.

There's nothing magic about an XLR connector. Their advantage in long runs is only when they're used in balanced circuits. It's not uncommon to see XLR connectors used in a conventional unbalanced circuit.

One advantage of XLR in short runs in home systems is that it is a LOCKING connection, whereas RCA connectors can be problematic.

Some XLR connectors lock (most do), some don't. Some RCA connectors lock (most don't), some do.

While you can do it and the sound quality difference may be not be obvious I would not unless this is an intermediary step to get to a fully balanced system.

High sound quality sound is the sum of every optimal design, component, sub component, interconnect choice… etc. if sound quality is top of you mind, then I would not start by buying into two compromises… connecting a balanced preamp to a non balanced amp and converting balanced to unbalanced connections. While the penalty may be small… they are not optimal.

I would buy components that are completely physically compatible. Preferably that you have auditioned.

It’s a waste of time ,you throw away the advantages of being balanced 

to ultimately lowers the noise floor.

@ghdprentice thanks So I can cross that off my list.. 

This is correct.  Running balanced has many benefits, not least reducing noise and making the connected system more robust.  I have run balanced for many years, from cartridge to power amp.

By the way, I wonder if we should be referring to connectors as 'female' any longer.  In today's strange world there are increasing numbers of females who do not have the equipment that is connoted but the use of the term in audio and electronics parlance.