RCA to XLR adapters?

Mikey, as you've gathered from the posts above there are a number of possibilities, and the internal design of the specific components can be an important and unpredictable variable.

My instinct, though, would be to simply use an rca cable between DAC and preamp, and to use a Jensen transformer between preamp and power amp. I'm sure that a call to Jensen will get you some good advice as to selection of a particular model.

I would not recommend using an adapter between DAC and preamp, in part because as I mentioned above most adapters short the signal on xlr pin 3 to ground (most equipment can tolerate that on its outputs, but some cannot), and in part because I doubt that it would provide any benefit compared to an rca-to-rca connection (aside perhaps from saving you the cost of a new cable).

If you want to try an adapter at the preamp output instead of using a transformer, using the adapter in conjunction with your present xlr cables, here are two low priced examples of the kind of adapters that would be suitable. Cardas and others probably offer higher end counterparts, although keep in mind Ralph's comment above that the Cardas adapters he has seen do not ground xlr pin 3. When adapting an rca output to an xlr input, you DO want pin 3 to be grounded.

Regards,
-- Al

Thanks for the feedback.

Just to clarify is this what I'll need?

DAC output balanced) to Preamp input(single ended): male RCA to female XLR

Preamp output (single ended) to Power amp input (balanced): male RCA to male XLR

Is this correct?

Thanks

Mikey, yes that's correct, if you want to use your existing xlr cables in both places.

However, I would not do that without first either verifying with the DAC manufacturer that it can tolerate having xlr pin 3 grounded, or obtaining an xlr-female to rca male adapter that you are certain does not connect pin 3 to pin 1 (perhaps from Cardas).

See this thread for an example of a problem that was caused by using an adapter on an xlr output.

Regards,
-- Al

Hi Al

Thanks for your feedback.

I want to keep my existing cables to minimise the costs as I won't get much back for them.

My DAC is a Mark Levinson 36. Do you know if this would give a problem?

Otherwise, I would go for:

DAC output (balanced) to Preamp input (single ended): male RCA to female XLR

http://www.markertek.com/Connectors-Adapters/Audio-Adapters/XLR-to-RCA-Adapters/Neutrik-USA-Inc/NA2FPMM.xhtml
- Pin 3 is ground, so if the ML 36 is OK with this.

OR

http://www.cardas.com/content.php?area=oem&pagestring2=Adapters&pagestring=Adapters+%28closeup%29&content_id=8&part_id=154
- Pin 3 is open

Preamp output (single ended) to Power amp input (balanced): male RCA to male XLR

http://www.markertek.com/Connectors-Adapters/Audio-Adapters/XLR-to-RCA-Adapters/Neutrik-USA-Inc/NA2MPMM.xhtml
- Pin 3 is ground

Would this be alright and would I minimise the potential for sonic degradation?

Thanks

My DAC is a Mark Levinson 36. Do you know if this would give a problem?

Don't know, but I found some specs indicating that its output impedance is "less than 6 ohms." That is worrisome, because it would mean that large amounts of current would be drawn from the output stage by a short to ground, unless some protection mechanism kicked in.

The adapter choices you linked to look good, except that I would suggest that you confirm with Cardas that that particular adapter leaves pin 3 open.

Regards,
-- Al