Xlr to rca output and power management

[roddo]

Hi folks.

I have a smsl DAC with rca and xlr outputs.

I have two vintage amps. One is obviously hooked to the rca out.

I'd like to have them both hooked up so I can select the amp I want to use.

Is there a safe way to convert xlr output into rca output? I know there are simple adaptors, but I'm not clear if xlr leads are hot or not, and it might pass currant into my 50 yo amp.

Also,

Can anyone recommended a good power strip/conditioner, with USB slots? I have a DAC, CD transport, streamer, turntable, and a ground wire running to 1 my amps/currently.

The amps themselves are hooked into a separate power point with a small conditionor, proberly all on the same circuit.

Thanks!

 

[staticV3]

XLR->RCA is not a good idea:

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Better get a simple RCA switch from Douk Audio/Nobsound.

 

[roddo]

Thanks for the quick response. I'd have to get up to switch output anyway,.so a simple rca switch makes sense.

AI gave me this reply, and I don't know what to make of it: One of my recievers has a tape loop:

"Connecting XLR outputs to a vintage receiver is possible if the receiver has preamp outputs or tape outputs, which serve as line-level signals compatible with XLR inputs. You can connect the source’s XLR output to the receiver’s preamp/tape input using an XLR-to-RCA or XLR-to-XLR cable, treating the receiver as a preamplifier for a separate power amplifier or powered speakers.

If the vintage receiver only has speaker terminals (high-level outputs), you cannot directly plug in an XLR cable. Instead, you must use a DI box or a line-level converter to step down the high-voltage speaker signal to a line-level signal, or connect the XLR source to a modern preamp/amplifier first, then feed that into the receiver’s line inputs if available. Never connect a line-level XLR source directly to speaker terminals, as this can damage equipment or result in no sound"

 

[staticV3]

Thanks for the quick response. I'd have to get up to switch output anyway,.so a simple rca switch makes sense.

AI gave me this reply, and I don't know what to make of it: One of my recievers has a tape loop:

"Connecting XLR outputs to a vintage receiver is possible if the receiver has preamp outputs or tape outputs, which serve as line-level signals compatible with XLR inputs. You can connect the source’s XLR output to the receiver’s preamp/tape input using an XLR-to-RCA or XLR-to-XLR cable, treating the receiver as a preamplifier for a separate power amplifier or powered speakers.

If the vintage receiver only has speaker terminals (high-level outputs), you cannot directly plug in an XLR cable. Instead, you must use a DI box or a line-level converter to step down the high-voltage speaker signal to a line-level signal, or connect the XLR source to a modern preamp/amplifier first, then feed that into the receiver’s line inputs if available. Never connect a line-level XLR source directly to speaker terminals, as this can damage equipment or result in no sound"

Wtf is the AI on about?

It seems to give advice on connecting an XLR source device to an Amp's speaker terminals, which is utter nonsense.

 

[john61ct]

XLR balanced output, converted to single ended RCA input requires specific knowledge if you want to just do it though wiring adapters.

However there are electronic devices designed to do this safely.

RDL is well respected, FP-BUC2 is an active module, entirely transformerless, with built-in gain trim controls and XLR connectors

TX-A2D is a passive transformer-isolated module using terminal blocks.

Also Aphex 124B, goes in both directions.

All these are pretty inexpensive if you are willing to buy secondhand

 

[LTig]

How to convert XLR to RCA depends on the circuit of the source. You have to check with SMSL how best to do it, if it is possible, and then get a proper made cable.

 

[Mr. Swordfish]

Seems like the simplest solution is to use a Y cable to connect both amps. Unless there's something odd about one of your amps you can split the signal.

Or just connect pin 2 of the XLR to the conductor of the RCA cable and pin 1 to the shield. Unless your DAC output is transformer balanced (highly unlikely) you can just leave pin 3 unconnected, although some servo-balanced outputs will need pin 3 connected to pin 1.

NOTE: XLR connectors have been used for many things, including phantom power, intercoms, speaker level outputs, etc, so not all adaptors will work in all situations, and sometimes will fry a device if you plug in the wrong thing. I doubt this will be a problem here.