Need help fast - Unbalanced Preamp to Balanced Amp

Ken, re Energizer's nice offer, keep in mind as I indicated earlier that commercially made xlr-to-rca cables (and adapters) in most cases have pin 3 shorted to pin 1 (ground). I would not use that cable on an xlr OUTPUT without first checking with Rowland.

See this thread for an example of a problem that was caused by doing exactly that, albeit with relatively inexpensive equipment.

Also, I don't know how similar your Rowland is to the Continuum model that is currently listed on their website, but for that model, at least, it describes the xlr output as being "high current." That most likely means it has low output impedance, which will mean that the device driving pin 3 will be forced to supply LOTS of current if it is shorted to ground.

Regards,
-- Al

With regard to Al's comment immediately above, you could set up the cable so that only pin 2 of the XLR at the preamp end is used. That way the inverting out would not be grounded and possibly damaged.

FWIW in the case of our preamps they are completely tolerant of pin 3 being grounded to pin 1.

hi ken yes they are what you need balanced on one end rca on the other .

ken, i am not expert on balanced cables but i used these cables with an A B INTERNATIONAL AMP.325 RMS.AND A BELLES LINE STAGE PRE AMP.HAD NO PROBLEMS.

Thanks everyone. I think Almarg may have the best advice, and that's to contact Rowland. I just noticed that the owner's manual specifically suggests using a Jensen Model PC-2XR adapter box, but if I could accomplish the same result with a cable, that would reduce the number of connectors, and cost. Should I decide to go the cable route, I will be sure that my friend closely follows the advice of both Almarg & Atmasphere. Thanks guys.

Energizer - Thanks again for your offer, but I think I need to do more research to make sure I don't damage anything with good intentions. You're very generous though, and I sincerely appreciate your help.