Help: is RCA to XLR cable OK for DVP to C2 hookup?

[Jeffk]

I want to use a high quality CDP/DVP in my HT setup. I am seriously considering buying a Parasound C1/C2, but it only allows 2 channel analogue bypass/passthrough via XLR balanced inputs from CDP/DVP. I may only have unbalanced RCA out from my CDP/DVP. Will I significantly degrade SQ (or defeat purpose) by using an RCA-to-XLR cable to overcome this obstacle? Thanks much. Jeff

[Glen B]

Balanced connections help avoid noise pickup for very long cable runs. If your runs are short, the lack of balanced connections is not an issue in that regard. Balanced design does not always translate into superior performance. Some equipment that have XLR connections can be single-ended internally and only use electronic balancing converters at the inputs and outputs, adding extra circuitry into the signal path. Some equipment that is of truly balanced design has been found to sound better when run in balanced mode. In many cases you may not be able to tell the difference. The only way to know is to try.

[Vince Helm]

Will I significantly degrade SQ (or defeat purpose) by using an RCA-to-XLR cable to overcome this obstacle? Thanks much. Jeff

Hi,
With good cables I do not think that the SQ will degrade to any appreciable degree. I have used the RCA to XLR converter plugs from Cardas Audio with great luck... I think that BAT Audio also makes a fine set as well. I also had Kimber Kable custom make a cable with single XLR on one end and two RCA's on the other end... worked great! Use good quality parts/cables and the SQ will be fine! IMHO.

Kind regards
Vince

[Glen B]

I was going to suggest the Cardas adapter plugs but figured that would be stepping on the toes of this site's sponsor, Cat Cables, especially as business seems to be hurting right now. Although the Cardas product is not a cable, I thought it would be taking business away from Cat. I'm sure that Lex can make up a nice custom set of adapter cables.

[Lex]

I'll let this stand. This is regarded as custom work, and some days, I take custom work, some days, I'd as soon make production products. Using an adapter seems like a viable solution, and Cardas usually makes good product. That said, to step up the signal transmission, a cable like the Kingcats can be build in RCA/XLR mix, and that's a whole nuther ballgame than an adapter on a lesser cable-