Is RCA to XLR safe or can it cause damage

[Bel Canto]

I'm using a SMSL DA9 which has 1 set of rca inputs and 1 set of xlr inputs. I'm using the rca inputs from a topping e30 and was wanting to connect another source that only has rca out. If I use a rca to xlr cable to connect to the da9, will it work or can it damage the amp?

I realize it will not be balanced but thought it might be way get 2 inputs.

Anyone tried this?

 

[DVDdoug]

If I use a rca to xlr cable to connect to the da9, will it work or can it damage the amp?

You won't hurt the amp but depending on how it's wired internally you could damage the sound and there's a slight chance of damaging whatever is plugged-in. If the two inputs are are directly-connected together you'd be "shorting" the outputs together..

For multiple inputs you normally need a selector switch or a mixer. The general rule is that it's OK to connect two inputs together (i.e. you can connect two power amps to one preamp) but it's not OK to "short" two (or more) outputs together. Or, you can use a Y-splitter to split/share a signal but not to combine signals.

 

[Bel Canto]

If the two inputs are are directly-connected together you'd be "shorting" the outputs together

The DA9 has separate balanced and unbalanced inputs that are selectable so I don't believe they are connected in any way.

 

[DimitryZ]

There are devices that will convert SE RCA source to balanced XLR.

This is a relatively inexpensive example:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003S7T49K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_3E63A6HMZ6RHBQ4YQQTM


There are also passive transformer-based units, but active ones are likely better.