Need Advice on how to convert 3.5mm/6.35mm jack to 4 pin xlr input for a topping Dx5 2

[cheapshot71]

Hi, so recently I purchased a dx5 2 dac/amp and heard online through a review that the Xlr input provides better audio quality because its balanced whereas a 3.5 mm jack is unbalanced audio. Now the problem I have is after doing research online, I'm having trouble figuring out a way to connect my 3.5 mm IEMs to the 4 pin xlr input of the topping dx5 2. I tried to use a Di box and use the 6.5mm input but the output is a 3 pin xlr, and there seems to be no cable 3pin female to 4 pin male cable that I can find online to make this work. Is there any other solutions that would allow me to make this work? I've seen direct boxes online that have left/right 3 pin output, and there are dual output 3 pin cables to a 4 pin female out there, but the prices of those go north of 200 dollars. So far what I am trying to set up is a Xenns Mangrid Tea pro -> Livewire SPDI direct box -> Topping Dx5 2. Any advice on how to connect 3.5 mm to a 4 pin xlr input?

 

[staticV3]

Hi @cheapshot71! Welcome to ASR.

recently I purchased a dx5 2 dac/amp and heard online through a review that the Xlr input provides better audio quality because its balanced whereas a 3.5 mm jack is unbalanced audio.

The only substantial differences between the SE and Bal output are output power and noise. Everything else is the same.

And since IEMs are extremely efficient (need barely any power), the only effect from switching to Bal would be increased noise (hiss).

Now the problem I have is after doing research online, I'm having trouble figuring out a way to connect my 3.5 mm IEMs to the 4 pin xlr input of the topping dx5 2.

To use any Bal headphone output, you need a headphone or IEM with native Bal headphone cable.

Trying to plug a 3.5mm or 1/4" headphone into a Bal output via an adapter can destroy the Amp.

 

[cheapshot71]

Thank you very much for helping!