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.

db
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Showing 2 responses by jedinite24

Hi Dbphd

Thanks for posting this thread. I may be facing a similar issue soon. I'm have a pair of KEF 104/2s and was able to score the 104/2 Kube for them. Nothing is hooked up at the moment due to renovations being done in my house. My amp and preamp combo have XLR inputs and outputs. I was going to put the Kube in the signal path between preamp and amp and use XLR adapters for at the preamp and amp sides. I hooked up a temporary system with the KEF Kube in place and heard a faint hum from my speakers. It was only when I was close to them though. I don't think the issue is you having a KEF Kube 102/2 with your 104/2s. It may just be the KEF Kube itself. I routed the AC Adapter and it cords as far away as I could from the unbalanced cables but there was still a hum.

Al. Many thanks for your contribution as well. Always very sage advice.

Would ferrite choke cores on the plug and umbilical cord ends help reduce the hum? I was thinking about putting choke cores near where the wires meet AC adapters as well where the umbilical cord plugs in along with where the 2 prong plug is.

Here are some pics of the KEF Kube. It looks the same for the 104/2, 102/2 and 103/3 speakers.

KEF Kube rear
http://img.2dehands.be/f/normal/120814494_3-kef-104-2-kube-inbegrepen.jpg

KEF Kube front
http://img.2dehands.be/f/normal/120814494_2-kef-104-2-kube-inbegrepen.jpg

KEF Kube AC Adapter
http://p2.la-img.com/236/423/197124_1_l.jpg

If the hum still persists I may just sell the KEF Kube.
Hi Al

Thanks for posting about SMc Audio's Flex-Connect. I believe they called it the Interocitor before. For mixing consumer and pro audio what about the Rane Balance Buddy 44x?

http://www.rane.com/pdf/bb44xdat.pdf

Not the prettiest looking piece of gear but could be available used at a decent price.