Xlr to rca / rca to xlr.

[nut]

I use chrome-cast audio with/without a dac.
Rca output.

I have a couple of power amps, only one of which has xlr.

Contemplating a preamp that only has xlr input and output.

So, i need to go from rca to xlr, and xlr to rca.

Do xlr to rca converters go both ways?

Anything i need to be aware of?

I don't need xlr, it's just that a preamp i am considering only has xlr.

Thanks.





S

 

[ian917]

Don’t do it. RCA-XLR is ok but XLR-RCA is problematic. For example, XLR is 4v, RCA is 2v.

 

[Non-Smoking Man]

My mantra has long been either completely balanced (XLRs) or not at all (all RCAs).

Jack

 

[Nopiano]

Don’t do it. RCA-XLR is ok but XLR-RCA is problematic. For example, XLR is 4v, RCA is 2v.

I don’t think it’s necessarily a reason not to do so, as long as the levels work. Especially as we don’t know if the pre sensitivity can be adjusted or inputs trimmed. But worth checking, for sure.

@nut you’ll need to choose the right converters, because unless I’m misunderstanding you, you don’t need different pairs, though obviously the configuration depends where you fit the plugs. The Neutrik ones pictured I found very good, and were about £25 for a pair iirc.

 

[uzzy]

I don’t think it’s necessarily a reason not to do so, as long as the levels work. Especially as we don’t know if the pre sensitivity can be adjusted or inputs trimmed. But worth checking, for sure.

@nut you’ll need to choose the right converters, because unless I’m misunderstanding you, you don’t need different pairs, though obviously the configuration depends where you fit the plugs. The Neutrik ones pictured I found very good, and were about £25 for a pair iirc.

I got a pair of converters off eBay for less than a tenner and they worked a treat
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/25562768...OCaI5KzPIFLK3SpwqN7X5AqC6q|tkp:Bk9SR-6xvq_vYA
Also available RCA to XLR https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/35377570...8xruxHJiMATOznl2IrPJeGoR0=|tkp:Bk9SR-yxvq_vYA

 

[nut]

They are xlr to rca.

 

[nut]

It seems complicated and maybe it's trying to fit a round peg in a square hole.
Maybe not the right preamp.

 

[uzzy]

They are xlr to rca.

No they are not -the bottom link is RCA to XLR

 

[dave]

It seems complicated and maybe it's trying to fit a round peg in a square hole.
Maybe not the right preamp.

if you really like the pre, nothing is insurmountable, really not such a big deal on the galactic scale of audio related problems,

 

[Strider]

The bible of audio connections for the unitiated:
https://www.ranecommercial.com/kb_article.php?article=2107