Convert XLR to TRS Headphone Cable Issue

My real concern is about the loss of soundstage ... why is this happening?

wncrob

3 wires connecting the XLR to the TRS are properly matched, but I cannot visually confirm unless I remove his shrink wrap.

You can use an inexpensive multimeter to check continuity between the connectors.

My first post in this thread was poorly worded, so I’ve deleted it in favor of this:

wncrob

I had a 3 wire (cable) 8’ extension cable made that is terminated female TRS to connect with the headphone cable and XLR to plug into the amp/out fixture ...  My headphone amp is "fully balanced" ...

If your headphone extension cable has only three wires, it cannot be a balanced stereo cable. That would require at least four wires: a separate positive and negative for each channel.

Seems that you are only getting one channel - mono operation - which is why there is no soundstage.  For balanced operation in stereo (two channels) you need two XLR connections, not one.  It would help if we had the model number of the Musical Fidelity headphone amplifier.  My guess is that it has two XLR output sockets?

richardbrand

For balanced operation in stereo (two channels) you need two XLR connections, not one. 

There are four- and five-pin XLR connectors that allow for balanced stereo operation in a single cable. My Moon 430HA offers a 4-pin jack as a connection option. Here’s a five-pin from Neutrik, which would allow shielding to be added to the four signal conductors: