RCA to XLR adapters?

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

Just a FWIW: using adapters is always tricky and should be regarded as temporary. If you are interested in getting the most out of your gear, take your cables to a tech and have him install the connector on the end of the cable such that it satisfies your needs. The mechanical connectivity of adapters can job the system of bass impact and dynamic punch- I have seen it many times.

Hi Atmasphere

Thanks for the reply.

I am hesitant to reterminate the cables as it would make the resale value even worse.

That's probably true- unless maybe you have the manufacturer do it. FWIW though if you set up the system entirely around the idea that everything has to be sold, that *can* limit the performance you can get.

Now if the amplifier has a single-ended input, it might be moot in that application. Its my opinion that if you keep the cable short, you are probably better off using a single-ended cable than you are getting a line transformer to convert to balanced. Most transistor amplifiers have differential inputs and don't care if the input is single-ended or balanced.

However beware if the amplifier's balanced input only works if the amplifier is monostrapped. Such amps often do not have differential inputs so it makes a big difference how you drive them!