Balanced XLR to RCA Adapters: Good or Bad?

I disagree on re-terminating from balanced to single ended. As someone stated above, phono cartridges are inherently balanced. I don't see why you would want to take a real, fully balanced, piece of audio equipment and modify to single ended just for a connection. In the context of this system you are better off getting some of the cheap adapters from a music store. The reason for this is that even though your old NAD is good equipment, it just doesn't have kind of resolution to make the upgrade or expensive xlr adapters worth while. Also, by mentioning the PS Audio, it seems like you might updating your system anyway. If, in fact, you do upgrade, keep a couple of things in mind. Not all equipment and not all cables that have balanced connections are really balanced. With equipment, it is expensive to make a component fully balanced because they have to double up on all the internal parts in the signal path. A lot of companies put xlr connectors and lable the connection balanced, but it is not really balanced. If you are not sure, there should be 2 sets of specs (balanced and non balanced) listed for the piece. If only 1 set of specs, it probably is not balanced. Cables need to be balanced as well, not just have xlr's. The cable should have 3 seperate conductors or, at the very least, 2 conductors and 1 shield. I hope this info can help you with your decision.

I glanced quickly through some of the above posts where recommending adapters in the $75-$120. Given prices like that, I just felt the money can be put to better use. The main reason for this post is to include something I forgot yesterday. There is a better way than just taking chances and hoping for the best outcome. I have been dealing with a company for the last 15+ years. The Cable Company/Ultra Systems www.fatwyre.com (I'm sure most people on this site has heard of them) is the most reputable audio company I have ever dealt with - by far. They have a lending library of cables, accessories, components etc. that they lend out. At first it sounded like too much of a big deal but they do make it very easy and cost effective. All you have to pay is shipping and you can use the stuff for about 2 weeks (they are not picky if you need them for a little longer.) They do charge you 5% of the total cost of the equipment they send out but you can use it to purchase anything you want at any time. I use them all of the time even for small stuff like this. Aside from all of the valuable experience I have gained over the years from making some bad upgrade decisions, they are my most valuable resource. Again, just my own personal opinions but I think it may be helpful for the OP to just try all these solutions at no risk. I do have to admit, though, after all the varying recommendations, I am very curious to see the turnout of all this.

Lewn.
"If, in fact, you do upgrade, keep a couple of things in mind. Not all equipment and not all cables that have balanced connections are really balanced. With equipment, it is expensive to make a component fully balanced because they have to double up on all the internal parts in the signal path. A lot of companies put xlr connectors and lable the connection balanced, but it is not really balanced. If you are not sure, there should be 2 sets of specs (balanced and non balanced) listed for the piece. If only 1 set of specs, it probably is not balanced. Cables need to be balanced as well, not just have xlr's. The cable should have 3 seperate conductors or, at the very least, 2 conductors and 1 shield. I hope this info can help you with your decision."

The above quote is from my response above. It looks like we are both in agreement. Your post basically says the same exact thing mine does, just in your own words. As far as buying the better connectors, I still have to disagree. It just doesn't make sense. I'm guessing that the used NAD is worth a few hundred dollars. By the time you get done reterminating the cables and/or buying the expensive XLR you will have a good portion of the total value of the NAD invested. The money can be used, instead, for better equipment. So when the OP wants an opinion on choosing either cables/connectors or equipment, I say why spend money to make a small difference when you can put it toward something that will make a big one. Also, if and when the equipment eventually gets upgraded, there is a very good chance that he will probably be going with balanced equipment anyway and will need everything just as it is now. Anyway, thats just my honest opinion on how I see it. Everyone does things their own way but as long as you end up where you need to be and are happy, that's all that matters.