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XLR cable with RCA output

Hi folks, could any of you tell me if this will work: I would like to use a Straight Wire Crescendo XLR interconnect with the unbalanced output of my CAT SL 1 Signature, using an adapter plug. The power amplifier has XLR inputs that I'm also using. So configuration is: unbalanced output from the CAT --> adapter plug --> XLR Straight Wire interconnects --> to the balanced inputs of power amplifier. Would this give a tremendous deterioration of sound quality? Thank you in advance.

Chris
dazzdax
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Cheap adaptors will kill you. You have to spend decent money on the Cardas. Otherwise you will get humm due to the impedance imbalances and other issues.
burntedj
21 posts
 
I used a pair of RCA to XLR cables between my Cary preamp & Atma-sphere amps with pretty good results. They cost less than $20 at Sam Ash. I also tried XLR adapters (not Cardas) but there was a significant loss of sound quality. You could try these before spending more money.
musicman07
126 posts
 
I also have a pair of RCA to XLR cables for my surround channels. It's usually better to limit the amount of connections to as few as possible. It's worth noting that unless you're only connection option is XLR on the amp you may as well just do RCA to RCA, but try it and see.
clio09
3,360 posts
 
Purist Audio also makes the adapters and if you can locate them Infinity Audio makes a nice set too.

In my case I just had my cable reterminated. In hindsight that probably wasn't too wise as there is not much of a market when selling these cables.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,475 posts
 
Rowland research used to do that configuration too. Anyway, there is no advantage to XLR unless you do it straight balanced.
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