XLR to RCA Cable safe to use?

Submitted by raf1919 t3_ztqyzb in headphones

Hi All, I have Schiit Modius which has 2 outputs. 1 RCA and 1 XRL

I dont have balanced gear so i'm not looking for balanced, rather trying to use 2 amps (not at same time). Can I use a XLR to RCA cable for one of the outputs safely?

My setup.

Modius --> RCA cable --> Heresy

Modius --> XLR to RCA --> Valhalla 2

Trying to see if this is safe to use, basically use 2 amps with 1 Dac for just changing things up without having to deal with unplugging and changing wires everytime.

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verifitting t1_j1euf6h wrote

> Hi All, I have Schiit Modius which has 2 outputs. 1 RCA and 1 XRL

> I dont have balanced gear so i'm not looking for balanced, rather trying to use 2 amps (not at same time). Can I use a XLR to RCA cable for one of the outputs safely?

You have two kinds, one that leaves the other pin floating and one that will tie it to shield(which will short it). The latter is better used for RCA>XLR, the first for XLR>RCA. Both will only carry half of a balanced 4V voltage.

You need something like this

https://benchmarkmedia.com/products/benchmark-xlrfm-to-rca-adapter-cable-pin-3-floating

And not this

https://benchmarkmedia.com/products/benchmark-rca-to-xlrm-adapter-cable

Benchmark cables are expensive though, note these are not sold as pairs.

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raf1919 OP t1_j1excr4 wrote

Thanks. Yes they are pricey. Would these work? https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=35807

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verifitting t1_j1f1pix wrote

Reading the Q&A, these are the non ideal kind for your use. They'll probably just work, but there will be reduced performance.

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raf1919 OP t1_j1f613v wrote

Thanks..I'll take a look at the switches as well

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covertash t1_j1ey0mf wrote

Honestly, you're better off just getting an RCA switcher (especially if you're potentially looking at other amps down the line):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085W1PPHL/

Or simply pick up some cheap RCA splitter cables:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PKS42P6/

Less complexity, and works perfectly fine. I own both of the above personally, used in different setups, and have no complaints.

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maXXXjacker t1_j1kvpi7 wrote

I love solupeak line switchers, I have one like the one you linked so I can switch between two dacs and four amps.

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