Threads like this really confuses me. I understand inverted signal, +4db, -10db, etc etc. I simply want to know what configuration will short or cause damage to which equipment, and why. If it depends on the circuitry of the equipment, why?
Say I am connecting a DAC to an amp:
1. Balanced 4.4mm output to unbalanced 3.5mm input
2. Unbalanced 3.5mm input to balanced 4.4mm input
3. Balanced 4.4mm output to unbalanced RCA input
4. Unbalanced RCA output to balanced 4.4mm input
5. Balanced XLR output to unbalanced RCA input
6. Unbalanced RCA output to balanced XLR input
with the wiring diagrams below
Say I am connecting a DAC to an amp:
1. Balanced 4.4mm output to unbalanced 3.5mm input
2. Unbalanced 3.5mm input to balanced 4.4mm input
3. Balanced 4.4mm output to unbalanced RCA input
4. Unbalanced RCA output to balanced 4.4mm input
5. Balanced XLR output to unbalanced RCA input
6. Unbalanced RCA output to balanced XLR input
with the wiring diagrams below