This is a review and detailed measurements of the Neutrik NA2F-D0B-TX XLR to RCA (and vice versa) adapter. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $35.
The device feels very solid and oozes quality when you look at the RCA connector:
This is a transformer based converter so balanced operation is maintained. The key then is the quality of the transformer. Let's see how it measures.
Neutrik NA2F-D0B-TX Measurements
Let's start with our dashboard of 4 volts over balanced to the device and then RCA out:
Ouch! That is a nearly 60 dB hit to our SINAD caused by the large amount of harmonic distortion. Company specs "Max. Input level (@ 50 Hz, 1% THD): -3 dBu." I am not sure how to read that so let's make our own measurement:
We see that distortion sets in very early at just 70 millivolts. Let's look at the frequency response:
Hmmm. There is no mention of a high pass filter yet that is what we have. That is likely there because the transformer massively distorts at low frequencies:
I think we know the story and can stop here.
Edit: Here are some additional tests at -3 dBu. Let's start with the Audio Precision APx555 analyzer measuring itself with this voltage level:
We naturally take a hit in noise performance, reducing our SINAD to 115 dB which is still excellent. Distortion is non-existent. Now let's just plug the NA2F-D0B-TX in the analyzer output without changing anything. In other words, we want to see how much it loads down the output of the analyzer:
Wow, look at how it distorts the stout output of the audio analyzer, dragging its SIAND down to 91 dB due to all those harmonics.
To figure out what is going on, I measured the DC resistance of the XLR input of the NA2F-D0B-TX and it is just 46 ohm! No wonder it is killing the performance of the analyzer.
Finally let's measure the NA2F-D0B-TX fully in the loop now:
Before you say "84 dB is still pretty good" keep in mind that your device may distort heck of a lot more then the output of the analyzer and drag you down even more.
Net, net, stay away from such adapters.
Conclusions
I must stay, I am very surprised that a company like Neutrik puts out a product with such poor performance without any direct mention of such. To be sure, good transformers cost money but at least put the buyer on notice that any performance your audio gear has would be obliterated by this converter.
Needless to say, I can't recommend using Neutrik NA2F-D0B-TX converter unless hum is a major problem.
------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Appreciate any donations using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
The device feels very solid and oozes quality when you look at the RCA connector:
This is a transformer based converter so balanced operation is maintained. The key then is the quality of the transformer. Let's see how it measures.
Neutrik NA2F-D0B-TX Measurements
Let's start with our dashboard of 4 volts over balanced to the device and then RCA out:
Ouch! That is a nearly 60 dB hit to our SINAD caused by the large amount of harmonic distortion. Company specs "Max. Input level (@ 50 Hz, 1% THD): -3 dBu." I am not sure how to read that so let's make our own measurement:
We see that distortion sets in very early at just 70 millivolts. Let's look at the frequency response:
Hmmm. There is no mention of a high pass filter yet that is what we have. That is likely there because the transformer massively distorts at low frequencies:
I think we know the story and can stop here.
Edit: Here are some additional tests at -3 dBu. Let's start with the Audio Precision APx555 analyzer measuring itself with this voltage level:
We naturally take a hit in noise performance, reducing our SINAD to 115 dB which is still excellent. Distortion is non-existent. Now let's just plug the NA2F-D0B-TX in the analyzer output without changing anything. In other words, we want to see how much it loads down the output of the analyzer:
Wow, look at how it distorts the stout output of the audio analyzer, dragging its SIAND down to 91 dB due to all those harmonics.
To figure out what is going on, I measured the DC resistance of the XLR input of the NA2F-D0B-TX and it is just 46 ohm! No wonder it is killing the performance of the analyzer.
Finally let's measure the NA2F-D0B-TX fully in the loop now:
Before you say "84 dB is still pretty good" keep in mind that your device may distort heck of a lot more then the output of the analyzer and drag you down even more.
Net, net, stay away from such adapters.
Conclusions
I must stay, I am very surprised that a company like Neutrik puts out a product with such poor performance without any direct mention of such. To be sure, good transformers cost money but at least put the buyer on notice that any performance your audio gear has would be obliterated by this converter.
Needless to say, I can't recommend using Neutrik NA2F-D0B-TX converter unless hum is a major problem.
------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Appreciate any donations using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
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