[Oliver :)]

I wonder whether it would be worth it to feed my unbalanced SRM-252A from the balanced output of my AQVOX USB2 D/A. Would this be beneficial or rather pointless? I've seen very nice XLR->RCA cables in another thread again, yet I already have very nice RCA ICs. So I think I would be better off getting an XLR (female) to RCA (female) adaptor. A nice one of course

But being the balanced ignoramus that I am - which one? The manual states I need a pinout of

Pin 1 = Earth
Pin 2 = + Signal / non inverted
Pin 3 = - Signal / inverted

I'd be thankful for your input

 

[Oliver :)]

Reviving my own dead thread, I come across the XLR lust again.

I have found the Neutrik NA2FPMF. The description says it works according to IEC 268-12: Pin 2 = Signal, Pin 1 und 3: connected to ground. This is pretty much the only type of decent XLR female->cinch female adaptor I see available.

Is anyone using my kind of setup? I would rather not want to fry my DAC or the stats... but it is a shame to have the XLR potential there unused...

 

[windowman]

To answer your original question: It's POINTLESS!
Feeding an unbalanced input with a "balanced" output isn't possible! By shorting pins 1 & 3, you've just disabled the balanced signal (you've sent the *inverted* "mirror" part of the signal to ground). Don't waste your time...

 

[Zorander]

Don't bother unless you need a second set of output (to a second amp) like I do.

 

[Oliver :)]

Well, despite your warnings I got myself two of the described Neutriks

I cannot say whether it makes much of a difference, yet I think (welcome to Placebo, USA) the bass is a hint faster and less boomy. Is it €20 better? I don't care, honestly

The adaptors allow me to hook up my desktop speakers directly to the AQVOX without using the loop-out on the SRM-252A, and that counts as an improvement.