XLR to RCA to DIN? (SN2)

Posted by: DynFan160 on 18 December 2016

I am noticing on a lot of DACs that I'm auditioning that the balanced XLR outputs are superior to the single ended RCA outputs. The amazing Schiit Yggdrasil is an example.

At the moment I have a Chord Cobra RCA > DIN cable running into my SN2. What product would you all suggest I use to go from balanced XLR to RCA? Perhaps something like the Jensen PC-2XR would work?

Thanks for the advice.

Posted on: 19 December 2016 by Adam Zielinski

There is no need for XLR to DIN cable here in my opinion. XLR connection is beneficial if the entire signal path is fully balanced (i.e. Source and amp) in an environment susceptible to interference or when log cable runs are needed (e.g recording studios, stage).

NAIM is not balanced, but uses a careful earthing for the entire signal.

If you were to go fro XLR to DIN, it would still use only +VE and ground, ignoring the inverted polarity ('cold') pin. So essentially the same as RCA to DIN.

Posted on: 19 December 2016 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Other than true balanced does not use signal ground - that is the whole point - it uses a decoupled shield and a signal + and signal - as mirrors of each other. To properly handle a balanced signal with unbalanced Naim signal inputs - i.e. no big compromise in SQ - you must convert a balanced signal to a non balanced signal - and use an audio BALUN - typically a small transformer - or it could be done purely using active electronics.

As most Naim is unbalanced and adopts start earthing - I would strongly recommend using native unbalanced signals for best SQ with Naim