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RCA to XLR adapter vs buy a balanced cable

Hi, I have a phono stage with XLR or RCA output. Till now I was connecting it by RCA IC. Having changed the preamplifier to a balanced one I have now two options:
1) buy good RCA to XLR adaptor (Cardas?) to enter in the preamp (please note my power amp is unbalanced, so output from pre will be by RCA
2) Using same amount of money (approx 160 Eur) for a full balanced cable(In this way, phono stage output will be balanced and pre input too)

It might sound a stupid question, but I have limited budget for my toys and need to maximazi benefits
Thanxs if you would give attention to this
Cheers
Daniel
ad010685
ad010685 OP
102 posts
 
Incidentally the phono stage in my case is the Pass Xono, was the same than yours, Zavato?
Thanxs
oldears
386 posts
 
Do not bother with an adapter, it is likely to be worse. For very little money go to a Guitar Center and buy balanced Mogami cables of the length you need, or make your own.
There is a lot of info in the cables forum.
fingerpaws
51 posts
 
I would use balanced cables because they fit better. I think everyone has mentioned the other reasons, but when that connector clicks into place, you are not going to have any problems with ill-fitting RCAs. Perhaps I am remembering the nest of cables I had tri-amping speakers with an external crossover. Keep your eyes open and you will find a used cable here, and that just means it will sound its best right away and cost less.
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,403 posts
 
I have an Ono, not an Xono, but the 2 are very similar in topology thus I would be surprised if the suggestion from Pass labds was any different for the Xono
ad010685 OP
102 posts
 
Thanxs to all
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