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XLR to RCA to XLR

I decided to try the KUBE (KEF's equalizer) with KEF R104.2s in a balanced system. By careful routing of cables my system is silent to an ear at the speaker. But the KUBE has only RCA connectors, and adding it to my system introduced a sizzle, a kind of HF hum. I removed the KUBE, and silence returned. Is there any way of going from XLR to RCA that might avoid the noise?

Balanced lines (about 15') run from a Cary 11a processor to a Proceed Amp 3 that sits near the R104.2s. The third line to the center speaker did not run through the KUBE and thus remained balanced.

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rdeckard
9 posts
 
I am in the same boat with a KUBE 200 for a pair of KEF 105/3's. I need to go from balanced preamp outputs to the unbalanced KUBE intputs, then the unbalanced KUBE outputs to balanced amp inputs.
I looked at the Jensen site, but it seems the PI-XR is not listed, unless you have to order one in a certain configuration. Any other alternatives out there as well? Thanks.
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Rdeckard, see the part number table at the bottom of this page. Information shown in the PI-2XX datasheet is applicable to the versions that provide either RCA or XLR inputs and/or outputs, as well as either 1 or 2 channels. The various configurations are differentiated in accordance with the part number definitions shown in the table.

Regards,
-- Al
rdeckard
9 posts
 
Gotcha. Will these work if mixing consumer audio (-10dBV) and pro audio (+4dBu) gear? In other words, do they provide any level-matching? Thanks.
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
01-21-13: Rdeckard
Will these work if mixing consumer audio (-10dBV) and pro audio (+4dBu) gear? In other words, do they provide any level-matching?
The PI models will function in that situation, but they will only provide a very slight amount of attenuation (corresponding to their "insertion loss," which under the test conditions shown in the datasheet is 1.6 db typical, 2.0 db max).

Assuming that what you want to do is to reduce the signal level, what you would probably want is their model PC2-XR, which provides about 14 db of attenuation. A phone call to them would be a good idea, though, to confirm its suitability to your specific application.

Also, at a considerably higher price point Steve McCormack of SMc Audio offers a transformer-based product called Flex-Connect, which provides 12 db of attenuation, together with various other features. I have no specific knowledge of it, but I know that his VRE-1 preamplifier, which utilizes coupling transformers, has an exceptionally good reputation.

Regards,
-- Al
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