Atma-Sphere MP1 with single-ended inputs and outputs? Adapters OK?


I had the opportunity to hear an end-game system (for me) that was fronted by an Atma-Sphere MP1 preamp and their Novacrons.  I was blown away by the overall sound, and am highly considering starting purchases toward that system for myself, but had the following questions I'm hoping someone could answer.

In short, the purchase path for me is likely going to last 18-36 months, given the costs of the various components and speakers, so I'm going to have to be living with "hybrid" systems for that time period while I spread the purchases out.

My current weakest link is my pre-amp (although it's not weak, but...).  If I start with the MP1, both my source material (VPI Classic turntable) and amps (Thoress 845 SET monos) are single-ended.  I'm sure I could get an appropriate balanced output for the VPI (I think?) and my DAC already has balanced out (which is my only other source), but what loss in sound quality will I experience adapting for singled ended RCA connections out from the MP-1 to my SET monos?  My current set-up has short (1.5M) runs, so the length of cable won't be an issue for me in single-ended.  But will using something like adapters or the tape outs on the MP1 negate any sonic benefits of the MP1 I might otherwise be getting for the time period I'll be using single-ended amps?  BTW, I LOVE the Thoress 845 amps, so they will likely be the last part of the chain I will consider replacing, and I may choose to keep them in the end-game system depending on the synergy.

Thoughts or experience with the MP1 and single-ended output?
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Showing 1 response by luisma31

Hello, just have a quick question to anyone who can answer. Making an adapter cable for an Atmasphere MP-3 XLR output to a tube amp with single ended input.It is clear pin 2 on the XLR goes to the center pin on the RCAIt is also clear pin 1 and 3 should be shorted on the XLR MP-3 output.
My question relates to the cable shield. Would it be recommended:1. Tie shield to pin 3 on the XLR as well and leave it floating on the RCA end?
2. Tie shield to pin 3 on the XLR as well and connect it to the RCA outer shell?3. Do not tie shield at all to pin3 on the XLR connector but to the RCA shell
4. Do not tie shield at any ends?
This might sound simplistic but I believe that to avoid ground loops maybe the ground on the atmasphere should not be connected in any way to the ground of the RCA single ended amp