Rca/xlr

What are the benefits, if any, by running RCA to XLR?
My CD player can accomodate XLR for output, but my integrated has only
RCA ins. Im getting conflicting info. Anyone?

 

alternatetune,

It's better to stick with RCA's strictly as they are far more musical than XLR connections. This is according to Steve.

 

My understanding is that XLR connections are better for longer runs of interconnects (greater than 3 meters) in that they offer less signal degradation. If you are using anything less than 3 meters then RCA's should be fine. I don't think a RCA to XLR adaptor would be any benefit and may introduce some minor degradation with the extra connections.

 

My CAT preamp won't even accept XLR's. The designer prefers the RCA's.

 

KLM,

You are correct but the distance is over 25ft. I run a 16ft. pair with just RCA's with no signal degredation at all.

 

Just to be clear about it - the above only applies when you are running from a balanced output to a balanced input (ie you have two signals 180 deg out of phase from each other running down the XLR cable [and an earth] and a differential amplifier at the input of the preamp).

If you run XLR outs on the source to RCA inputs on the amp you will not gain anything in terms of signal degredation on long cable runs compared to using RCA at both ends.

 

Thanks for all the help! Ill stick with my Stealth silver RCAs. They do a fine job by me.