$199.95
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Ultra-high performance, completely transparent stereo (2 Ch.) RCA to XLR true balanced converter.
Product Documents
The RCA to XLR Converter Module serves as a transformative bridge in the world of audio connectivity. Seamlessly bridging the gap between differing signal types, this module empowers audio enthusiasts and professionals to effortlessly adapt and integrate their setups. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, it guarantees optimal signal integrity, preserving the nuances of sound across different devices. Ultra-high performance, completely transparent RCA to XLR true balanced converter.
RCA to XLR Converter Module:
The RCA to XLR Converter Module is the key to bridging the gap between audio systems. Seamlessly translating RCA signals into XLR, this module opens up a realm of connectivity possibilities.
Why use an active converter?
There are three ways to get from RCA (unbalanced) to XLR (balanced)
(1) Use an RCA to XLR adapter
With an RCA to XLR adapter, you break the balanced input on your amplifier or pre-amp because 1/2 of the XLR input is shorted to the RCA’s shield. Depending on the design of the balanced input this can have multiple undesirable effects.
(2) Use a transformer-based RCA to XLR Converter
A transformer-based converter can work well as long as it is properly matched to both the RCA and XLR side impedances. However, even if it is properly matched the transformer creates AC coupling which causes bass phase shift.
(3) Use an active converter
With a DC-coupled active converter, like this one, all the issues associated with the first two approaches are eliminated.
The board incorporates ultra-high performance op-amps from Burr-Brown (Texas Instruments), including the OPA1612 and OPA1632. It also incorporates two extremely low noise linear regulators (LDOs), LT3042 and LT3090 to achieve the best possible performance.
The acrylic case may be purchased at this link.
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Shipping Information
| Weight | 1 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9 × 6 × 2 in |
Stefan V. –
Nice product. Seller is very responsive and willing to help out. Thanks!
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Leo A. –
Thanks for the review, Stefan.
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Malcolm –
This buffer board is as it should be, transparent. It doesn’t add or detract anything from the sound quality as far as I can hear.
Used with the starcrimson it will get the most out of these boards. In my set up. I am using a Naim Atom headphone edition which has both XLR and phono outs. I always thought the XLR out were a little lacking in weight and in body when used with the starcrimson. The buffer board fixed this for me.
I do think the starcrimson boards are quite fussy on what drives them so using this board will make sure you’re getting the most out of them.
I think it’s great that Leo has incorporated these into his ultra build. And users should experiment with their preamplifier source on which output gives the better sound. Quite often there is a difference between phono and XLR particularly if the XLR output is an after thought.
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Hamish M. –
I’m enjoying listening to my system which includes a Starkrimson Ultra – now upgraded to Mark2 – with additional RCA to XLR Module very much indeed. It’s the best sounding system I’ve ever had at home. The Module has brought the system plumb into tune. Before it’s addition I was wiring my preamp streamer – a Linn KDSM – direct from it’s balanced output to the Starkrimson balanced input but because of a slight mismatch it was not sounding quite as tuneful and melodic as I had hoped it would. The Module has put this right and it now sounds as sweet as a nut. A great buy!
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Leo A. –
Thank you for the feedback. I am glad you are enjoying both the product and your music.
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Igor K. –
excellent converter. Very clean, transparent and neutral sound. Thanks Leo!
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David P. –
It works as it should, completely transparent, allowing a balanced amp to sound its best. I wish there was a case available for it, for this is really handy to have around for someone who has several balanced input amps. I’m considering building one in to an amp I’m making so it has both XLR and RCA input capacity.
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Leo A. –
Thank you very much for your feedback. Enclosures for these will be available shortly.
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Steven H. –
The XLR-RCA converter works as advertised to convert single ended signal to balanced for input to my Starkrimson Ultra amplifier. There is a small increase in the overall gain, thus I now have a bit more headroom for the volume control. This unit is highly recommended for all of those like me with an otherwise single ended system.
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Leo A. –
Thank you for the review.
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Ted –
I have the Dual Mono Power Supplies + 28,000 uF of Additional Capacitance in my Starkrimson Stereo Ultra Amp. As wonderful as that sounds, Leo stated that this Active Module will allow the Amp to produce the full benefits of his full-balanced topology design, yielding greater transients! Since I’m currently an owner of an unbalanced pre-amp, though I’d try this active XLR board to hear what sonic gains I might achieve.
To my surprise and delight, not only has transients (attacks & decays) improved in speed accuracy and harmonic trail extensions, but precise pin-point focus, air and placement of vocals, instrumentals, percussion, piano and large ensembles has grown in all soundstage holographic dimensions (width-height-depth). My Monitors totally disappear as the excellent clarity and resolution of the venue ambiance and space places me in the concert hall, 5th to 15th row! I Am There, witnessing the Live Musician Performances!!
Thanks, Leo, for all your assistance. patience and guidance…and of course, for producing superb audio products!!!
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Leo A. –
Thank you for the review. I am glad you are enjoying your purchases.
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Joe G. –
Stereo RCA to XLR Converter Module works as advertised. My single ended RCA outputs on my Sony UBP-X1000ES’s external DAC should be Balanced from the factory on the AKM4452 DAC chip that they used for DSD playback. They cheaped out and used a single ended output which is more work than it’s worth to reverse engineer and make balanced.
While I made some improvements with SoniCaps, OPA627 OpAmps on Brown Dog adapters in place of the cheap dual RC4580 factory opamps. There was still a dullness in the passive conversion (pin 3 must be left floating according to the specs on my BATVK50-SE Preamp).
Well, Leo’s adapter board design fixed all these issues. Crystal clear highs in on my SACD’s. That combined with the nice midrange with extended Bass made this purchase worthwhile. No audible distortion whatsoever !
An excellent way to take any single ended (RCA) device and run it in a true differentially balanced system with all the benefits that running XLR provides.
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Leo A. –
Thank you.
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