2. amps-preamps
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RCA to XLR adapters?

I currently have a complete single end (RCA) input system but was possibly looking at other amps that are fully balanced and accept only balanced or XLR connections. My question is will these adaptors give you the full benefit of a balanced amp or preamp? Or will it simply was work ok? I have expensive cable that I will not replace but is terminated with RCA's.
bobheinatz
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atmasphere
12,102 posts
 
Mary Tyler Moore calls it 'upstate' but we call it up north. Northern Minnesota, with its vast penguin ranches.
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atmasphere
12,102 posts
 
Maybe you should spend more time here in the beautiful North.
mikey8811
259 posts
 
Hi

I have the reverse situation.

I am using a Krell power amp which only takes XLR inputs and a Mark Levinson DAC which has both RCA and XLR outputs. I was previously using a Krell KRC preamp which has both XLR and RCA inputs and outputs. All my cables are XLR terminated. I am thinking of switching to a Conrad Johnson ET3 preamp, specifically running XLR cables from DAC to preamp and also running XLR cables from preamp to power amp.

Can anyone please tell me which adapters are suitable? I am confused between male and female, XLR to RCA etc.

Also, again the question of sound degradation in this setup - how best to avoid this?

Thanks
nglazer
846 posts
 
I runRCA IC's from a Wyetech Opal pre (RCA out) to Krell FPB 300cx (only XLR in) and use BAT adaptors (female on RCA side, male on XLR side). Sounds pretty darn good to me, and has for several years now. I had used Cardas adaptors, which also were good but IMHO the BAT's are superior.

The other alternative is to have amp side re-terminated, which I had done on IC's and quite frankly, could not tell a difference from adaptors. YMMV.

Neal
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