There's no advantage to using XLR in the first place. The trick to your question is to realize the overriding factor in this is the quality of the interconnect. Not what plugs are at either end, but the wire in between. Since there are BY FAR more quality RCA interconnects available and at much better prices than RCA to XLR, this one is a no-brainer. Go RCA all the way and let your faux balanced whatever do its thing. Whatever that may be.
SE RCA to XLR... any benefit?
Quick question, I have my suspicions but wanted to get some feedback.
If I'm feeding a single-ended source into a balanced component is there any advantage to using RCA to XLR cables or do you end up in the same place just letting the device bridge the signal over from RCA inputs into the balanced circuit?
I know the term balanced is a bit loaded as it is seeming interchangeably used for:
- 3-Pin XLR balanced interconnects
- Components with a "fully" balanced circuit design
- 4-Pin XLR balanced (dual grounded) headphone cables
In this case, I'm talking about a component (like a balanced pre-amp, or a balanced headphone amp) where the signal coming in from a tube line stage is SE but the component has a balanced circuit and the capability to output balanced.
Thanks!
If I'm feeding a single-ended source into a balanced component is there any advantage to using RCA to XLR cables or do you end up in the same place just letting the device bridge the signal over from RCA inputs into the balanced circuit?
I know the term balanced is a bit loaded as it is seeming interchangeably used for:
- 3-Pin XLR balanced interconnects
- Components with a "fully" balanced circuit design
- 4-Pin XLR balanced (dual grounded) headphone cables
In this case, I'm talking about a component (like a balanced pre-amp, or a balanced headphone amp) where the signal coming in from a tube line stage is SE but the component has a balanced circuit and the capability to output balanced.
Thanks!
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