Is it save to convert XLR to RCA?

Assuming you get the correct adaptor, while you will have no benefit going from balanced to RCA, it shouldn't be worse than RCA-RCA.

Also, if you go with an RCA splitter, I would go with a one-piece metal splitter, rather than a Y-cable.

Al, i am considering using an RCA-XLR adapter to convert the RCA output on a preamp to XLR such that i can use am XLR-XLR IC to an XLR input on my power amp (power amp can take either, but i only have XLR IC's presently). this is temporary until i purchase a pair of RCA IC's.

regarding connecting pins - the advice in this thread is to leave the pins open. there was an interesting conversation between you and Ralph (atma-sphere) where i thought the recommendation was to connect the pins here:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1280795210&openfrom&1&4#1

"...To correct this, open up the XLR side of the adapter and have someone (if you can't solder) connect pin 1 of the XLR (ground) to the unused connection (often pin 3, which is the inverted input).

This will get rid of the hum and the amp will have normal gain..."

is the solution different for converting RCA to XLR vs converting XLR to RCA? just trying to figure out the best way to use an XLR IC with an RCA preamp output.

Hi Scott,

Is the solution different for converting RCA to XLR vs converting XLR to RCA?

Yes, absolutely. The two situations are very different.

It is highly preferable, and will be necessary in many cases, to ground pin 3 when adapting to an XLR input. Otherwise that input connection would be referenced to the component's circuit ground only through a high impedance (the input impedance of that input), which would create a susceptibility to hum and noise.

On the other hand, grounding pin 3 of an XLR output accomplishes nothing constructive, and creates the risk that the circuit or device providing that output signal will misbehave (or even be damaged if it is not well designed) as a result of the excessive amount of current that will be drawn by the short circuit. See this thread for an example.

Best regards,
-- Al

al, thanks so much. your willingness to share knowledge and your time is very appreciated. sounds like the correct way to convert an RCA preamp output to XLR such that an XLR IC can be used is to connect pins 1 and 3 to the ground such as is made possible via this adapter.

i really appreciate the guidance!

Yes, that looks like a good choice, Scott.

FYI, this Jensen paper may be of interest, with respect to long term applications as opposed to the temporary situation you are addressing.

Best regards,
-- Al