Roscoe50, the best way of interfacing a balanced output to an unbalanced input is most likely with a Jensen transformer, as explained in section 3 of
this paper. Examples of those transformers are shown near the bottom of
this page. They cost around $200. If you want to pursue that approach, give them a call to obtain a recommendation of a specific model.
A less expensive alternative would be an
ART DTI, specs shown
here, although I can't vouch for its sonic quality.
Another alternative would be to have an adapter cable made up by a cable vendor, that connects XLR pin 2 to the RCA center conductor, and XLR pin 1 to the RCA ground sleeve. In theory a Jensen transformer is a better approach, but as a practical matter an adapter cable MIGHT provide results that are just as good.
The least preferable approach, IMO, although it still might provide satisfactory results, would be to use an adapter plus a separate cable, as you seem to be considering. If you want to try that I think it would probably be best to use an XLR-female to RCA-female adapter at the output of the Fostex DAT recorder, with an RCA cable connected from there to the Denon receiver.
The adapter cable approach and the adapter + cable approach will not provide any of the potential benefits of a balanced interface, regardless of the type of cable that is used, although as I say that might not make any difference in your particular setup.
Be aware, also, that most XLR to RCA adapters short XLR pin 3 (which is usually the inverted signal in the balanced signal pair) to ground (XLR pin 1). I suspect that won't cause any problems with your pro-oriented DAT recorder, but if you pursue that approach you might want to consider purchasing an adapter made by Cardas, which as I understand it do not short those pins together, at least on XLR-female to RCA-female adapters. Pin 3 SHOULD be shorted to pin 1, btw, when adapting an RCA output to an XLR input.
Regards,
-- Al
