F-XLR to M-RCA recommendations

@steakster

I agree with you here.

For a component as important as a DAC, take your time in deciding.

But I do not agree with your statement here.

Generally speaking, the best giant-killer opportunities are with pre-owned gear - not low MSRP prices. Low MSRP prices means they’re cutting corners from the get-go.

What I have learned in audio is there’s no such thing as ’best’. One dac design today, in the past or even the future is based on the the electrical engineers creativity and skill in getting what and how a unit is to perform.

@snowdog57

This is what I found on youtube Not Just Another DAC: Unveiling the LAiV Harmony µDAC’s Inner Beauty! Dated March 21, 2025 from Vinshine Audio this youtube post states:

’And most importantly the true xlr output, despite the compact size the micro dac is a true balanced r2r ladder dac. What if you wanted to use an rca? No worries at all. The micro dav is designed to be adaptable. You can easily use a xlr to rca adapter or cable with the micro dac without any signal degradation loss. You’re well covered with a balanced output or the traditional single ended out.’

I try to come here to audiogon with an opened mind, to share ideas, to learn and ask questions with a courtesy to others. But sometimes some members have such an absolutist answer to a question as if there statements are the end all to a question asked. And what I’m finding out more and more is those statements are sometimes completely without merit.

I am simply here because I enjoy this audio hobby and I approach it as such, a hobby. And hopefully, although I’m not as well versed in electrical engineering principles as others, I hope it’s ok that I and others too can share ideas and questions here, no matter how rudimentary they are.

@snowdog57

Here’s a newly released youtube review of the Laiv Harmony µDAC dated March 21, 2025 from Steve Huff. I think you will like this also. The LAIV MICRO Harmony DAC Experience! NO COMPETITION EXISTS for this UNDER $1k Super R2R DAC.

@mulveling, your well thought out and gracious posts I’ve had the pleasure of reading over the years and most importantly learning from are always a welcome pleasure for me to read.

I could be wrong, but I suspect Laiv is going to sell a lot of these ’cheap dacs’.

@snowdog57 Going from a balanced source to RCA can be tricky.

The thing to understand is balanced and single-ended are mutually incompatible, so you have to jump through some hoops.

If just using a cable you can’t just use an adapter or cable with different connectors on either end in all cases. Some balanced outputs are solid state so if you ground one side, could be damaged.

If the balanced output is using an output transformer its very easy since the transformer doesn’t care if one side is at ground, so they inherently are always able to convert from one to the other.

If just running a cable though and hoping for the best, the best way to do it is this:

Pin 2 (non-inverting output) of the XLR end should be tied to the center pin of the RCA. Pin 3 (inverting output; don’t make the mistake of calling it ’cold...) of the XLR is tied to the barrel connection of the RCA.

Pin 1 (ground) of the XLR is connected via an extra connection to the chassis of the equipment with the RCA input.

If this connection sounds familiar, its the same as you often see on a turntable with RCA outputs.

So if you’re still with me the cable can be a balanced line cable with the RCA connected to the signal wires at the output and the connection to the chassis being an extension of the shield of the balanced cable, with a lug or alligator clip to allow you to connect it to the chassis ground. On no account should the shield (ground wire) and the barrel connection of the RCA cable touch.

If you’re having someone make up the cable have them read these instructions.

FWIW we’ve been doing balanced connections longer than anyone else in high end audio.

Thanks @atmasphere much appreciated.

Whoops, wrong date It should be. Here’s a newly released youtube review of the Laiv Harmony µDAC dated March 25, 2025 from Steve Huff.