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RME User Forum → ADI-2 & 2/4 Pro series, ADI-2 DAC series → XLR to RCA adapter with ADI-2 DAC fs
I want to connect the DAC to 2 preamps (SS & Tube), neither have XLR inputs. I was looking at this:
https://www.moon-audio.com/moon-audio-r … pters.html (Female to Female - I know there are cheaper options)
for the XLR out of the DAC.
I have read that both XLR & RCA are active at the same time.
Any reason this won't work?
Thanks
You'd be better off taking the ¼" outs and converting to RCA. Since the output levels are switchable, there is no advantage to use the XLR outs. In fact, you may do harm to the balanced output since the adapter would most likely short pin 1 to pin 3 for the shield connection of the RCA. Just use ¼" to RCA cables.
If you're wanting to drive two separate devices, which is what it sounds like, try just using an RCA splitter. No reason that won't work either as the output impedance is only 100-ohms.
From the manual:
! The XLR line outputs do not operate servo balanced! When connecting unbalanced equipment, make sure pin 3 of the XLR output is not connected. A connection to ground might cause a decreased THD (higher distortion) and increased power consumption!
You'd be better off taking the ¼" outs and converting to RCA. Since the output levels are switchable, there is no advantage to use the XLR outs. In fact, you may do harm to the balanced output since the adapter would most likely short pin 1 to pin 3 for the shield connection of the RCA. Just use ¼" to RCA cables.
If you're wanting to drive two separate devices, which is what it sounds like, try just using an RCA splitter. No reason that won't work either as the output impedance is only 100-ohms.
From the manual:
! The XLR line outputs do not operate servo balanced! When connecting unbalanced equipment, make sure pin 3 of the XLR output is not connected. A connection to ground might cause a decreased THD (higher distortion) and increased power consumption!
Thanks, already know about the pin 3 needing to be disabled.
The ADI-2 DAC fs has no 1/4" outs.
SORRY!! I looked at the wrong model.
I want to connect the DAC to 2 preamps (SS & Tube), neither have XLR inputs. I was looking at this:
https://www.moon-audio.com/moon-audio-r … pters.html (Female to Female - I know there are cheaper options)
You’re better off using RCA - RCA cables.
If the destination does not have balance inputs XLRs have no advantage.
The adapters you linked likely will break the connectors of the RCA equipped amp, long term.
To say it clear:
The RCA outputs of ADI-2 have the exact same quality as the XLR.
brad1138 wrote:I want to connect the DAC to 2 preamps (SS & Tube), neither have XLR inputs. I was looking at this:
https://www.moon-audio.com/moon-audio-r … pters.html (Female to Female - I know there are cheaper options)
You’re better off using RCA - RCA cables.
If the destination does not have balance inputs XLRs have no advantage.
The adapters you linked likely will break the connectors of the RCA equipped amp, long term.To say it clear:
The RCA outputs of ADI-2 have the exact same quality as the XLR.
What do you mean by that?
KaiS wrote:brad1138 wrote:I want to connect the DAC to 2 preamps (SS & Tube), neither have XLR inputs. I was looking at this:
https://www.moon-audio.com/moon-audio-r … pters.html (Female to Female - I know there are cheaper options)
You’re better off using RCA - RCA cables.
If the destination does not have balance inputs XLRs have no advantage.
The adapters you linked likely will break the connectors of the RCA equipped amp, long term.To say it clear:
The RCA outputs of ADI-2 have the exact same quality as the XLR.What do you mean by that?
Please consider using Google for the difference between balanced to unbalanced connection.
A balanced connection differs not only in plug type, cables and signal level.
The audio signal is transmitted "hotter" (studio level) and with a different polarity and a special circuit on both devices takes care that noise, the difference between the signals of opposite polarity, is being eliminated.
So if your amp does not fully truly supports balanced operation mode, then the use of this adapter is of absolutely no use, and it stays an unbalanced connection.
As the adapter appears to be solid and has some weight, it might damage the input. By lengthening the plug, you also have more leverage so that the cable's own weight exerts more pressure on the amplifier's socket.
brad1138 wrote:KaiS wrote:You’re better off using RCA - RCA cables.
If the destination does not have balance inputs XLRs have no advantage.
The adapters you linked likely will break the connectors of the RCA equipped amp, long term.To say it clear:
The RCA outputs of ADI-2 have the exact same quality as the XLR.What do you mean by that?
Please consider using Google for the difference between balanced to unbalanced connection.
A balanced connection differs not only in plug type, cables and signal level.
The audio signal is transmitted "hotter" (studio level) and with a different polarity and a special circuit on both devices takes care that noise, the difference between the signals of opposite polarity, is being eliminated.So if your amp does not fully truly supports balanced operation mode, then the use of this adapter is of absolutely no use, and it stays an unbalanced connection.
As the adapter appears to be solid and has some weight, it might damage the input. By lengthening the plug, you also have more leverage so that the cable's own weight exerts more pressure on the amplifier's socket.
I know the difference between single ended and balanced connections....
Your statement as worded made no sense, so I was asking for clarification. I stated that the adapter would be female to female, please consider using Google for the difference between male and female. (The default picture when you follow the link is Female XLR to Male RCA)
The adapter will attach to the XLR out of the DAC, just the same way an XLR cable does, with no more or less force on the XLR connection. From there I have a standard "RCA out" to connect my RCA cables to. XLR outputs are 6 dB hotter than RCA, but I believe that is lost when using the adapter, but even if not, it is just 6 dB louder, won't damage a thing. You can adjust the output of the RME 18dB.
Part of the reason I wanted to go this way, is the RCA splitter (see pic) I am using is causing torque on the RCA out of the DAC and I wanted to find a better alternative.
For the RCA Y-splitter I prefer this style:
When usind the XLRf to RCAm adapter you need:
• to open the adapter and cut the Pin-3 connection.
• not-so-common RCAf to RCAm cables.
The latter can be avoided using an XLRf to RCAf adapter:
This one can easily be opened to cut Pin3 too:
https://www.thomann.de/de/seetronic_ma3 … q0EALw_wcB
For the RCA Y-splitter I prefer this style:
When usind the XLRf to RCAm adapter you need:
• to open the adapter and cut the Pin-3 connection.
• not-so-common RCAf to RCAm cables.
The latter can be avoided using an XLRf to RCAf adapter:This one can easily be opened to cut Pin3 too:
https://www.thomann.de/de/seetronic_ma3 … q0EALw_wcB
Yes, as stated above, I bought XLRf to RCAf, and I de-soldered pin 3.
All is good. I think I am only going to use these on the DAC for now, so I'll have 2 spares for if/when needed.
Also I double checked it with an Ohm meter.
RME User Forum → ADI-2 & 2/4 Pro series, ADI-2 DAC series → XLR to RCA adapter with ADI-2 DAC fs
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