Phono Stage with XLR outs

@audphile1 

If you end up going with a phono that only has RCA outputs, my recommendation would be to get a RCA to XLR IC’s. Purist Audio made for me and it has worked flawlessly. Any brand that makes their own cable, can do this for you. If you wanna try it, I can send you my Purist cable. Let me know! 

Yes, it is easy to make an RCA to XLR cable, or vice-versa, in the privacy of your own home.  Any of your present RCA cables can be so converted.  But if you do go that route, it is best to start with an RCA cable that has equivalent separate conductors carrying hot and ground.  Many cheaper RCA cables will carry ground on the shield.  So if you change the connector from RCA to XLR at one end, you will end up with the negative phase of the signal traveling on the shield. Not the best idea.  You want to start with an RCA cable where the shield is separate from hot and ground.

Thank you @lalitk!!! That’s really cool. 
I plan to make a decision on a phono stage in the next few weeks. 
I have this love hate relationship with the Boulder approach to not include RCA inputs. It makes the setup less flexible. Otherwise I love that amp. 

Ayre PE 5 has both and sounds good.

We’ll see what I end up with. I can start with the adapters then move up to proper cables if I end up with a phono that features only rca outs. 
The Cardas adapters are solid. Great quality.