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XLR-RCA: Adapters or Custom Cable?

Greetings all!
I have a new Lavry DAC which will arrive shortly and I need to find a way to go from the balanced outs on the DAC to the unbalanced inputs on my integrated amp. There are of course two ways of doing this, using an XLR to RCA adapter such as the ones that Cardas makes or use a cable that has been built to go from XLR to RCA. In a singular cable this is a fairly rare item and although they exist I would expect that the resale would be difficult. Regardless of that point, I am wondering if I am safe using the adapters or if there will be real sonic benefits to using a single XLR-RCA cable. DIY would be a possibility although I would like to have something at least close to comparable to the Zen Silver Ref II cables that I am using in the rest of my system. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated...
audiojedi
kirkus
502 posts
 
The main thing that you should make sure that you get right is the wiring configuration of the adapter or cable . . . the characteristics of 'balanced' outputs aren't exactly standardized.

If the DAC has a transformer-coupled or "active floating" output, then pin 3 needs to be grounded. If it has an active symmetrical ground-referenced output, then pin 3 shouldn't be grounded, it should be left floating. In either of these cases, ground goes to pin 1 and the unbalanced output positive goes to pin 2 . . .

. . . unless of course if it's wired to European standard (or "pin 3 hot"). Then the above applies, but with pins 2 and 3 reversed.

If you're unsure, it's best to contact the manufacturer of the DAC for their connection recommendation, and make sure that your adapter or cable complies with it.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,218 posts
 
If resale value is a major concern then you might consider an external transformer based balanced to singe ended converter. The downside is that you'll need two sets of cables.
herman
2,256 posts
 
Good point Kirkus, The Lavry DA10 manual shows how to configure the outputs for SE operation. It does show pin 3 as the non-inverted output. If the adapter I linked to connects pin 2 to the middle pin on the phono jack then you would be stuck with the inverted output but this could be corrected at the speakers by reversing red and black leads. Of course if you go DIY then you can configure things any way you want.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
Herman...that's absolutely silly. I have always had a system that was good enough so that adapters always made a difference. YOu can quote numbers all day long...just listen and be enlightened. The real issue is that audiojedi should call the makers of his components with their evaluation. As I said before, damage can be done.
herman
2,256 posts
 
The unit will not be damaged, the manual shows you how to set it up. Even if it didn't there is no way to damage the output of a DAC if it is done properly. Anything can be damaged if you don't.

Your position is the silly one. How can one listen to the difference and be enlightened if the only way to use the DAC in the system is with adapters?

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