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Phono Stage with XLR outs

Taking another stab at vinyl after about a year break. Not going too fancy but would like a phono stage with both RCA and XLR outputs. My amp, Boulder 866, only accepts XLR. I do have a set of Cardas adapters but thinking to do it right. 
Budget - under $1500 used or new. 
Table - Clearaudio Concept with Hana ML moving coil cartridge. 
Not trying to compete with my Meitner MA3i digital front end. Just looking for good natural presentation. 
Contenders - Pro-Ject DS3 B, Black Ice Audio Fusion, McIntosh MP100

Any other candidates that I should consider?

audphile1
lewm
14,669 posts
 

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.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
7,881 posts
 

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. 

rbull11
74 posts
 

Ayre PE 5 has both and sounds good.Picture 5 of 12

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
7,881 posts
 

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. 
 

westcoastaudiophile
819 posts
 

Teac PE505

https://teacusa.com/products/pe-505-phono-amplifier

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