RCA to XLR

[bmwrob]

Hi, I’m trying to connect my Vincent SP-991 with a 15m RCA to XLR interconnect. I use the option 17 from this page

http://www.rane.com/note110.html

But as soon as I plug in the RCA in the pre-amp, the power amp shuts done. Any idea what’s wrong? I have measured the cable and it should be okay.

[Tube_Dude]

Originally posted by bmwrob
Hi, I’m trying to connect my Vincent SP-991 with a 15m RCA to XLR interconnect. I use the option 17 from this page

http://www.rane.com/note110.html

But as soon as I plug in the RCA in the pre-amp, the power amp shuts done. Any idea what’s wrong? I have measured the cable and it should be okay.

I think that at the receiving end XLR pis 1 and 3 must be shorted.(In fig 17)
Have you tryed it?

[bmwrob]

Obrigado! Indeed that was the problem. It’s bit late now so I didn’t have any time to do any critical listening. Tomorrow I will do a ABX listening test with my new cables and see if I can hear any degradation of the sound with such a long non balanced interconnect.

Cumps /// Rob

[Tube_Dude]

Originally posted by bmwrob
Obrigado! Indeed that was the problem.

De nada!!

Um abraço!

[dhaen]

You may be able to improve the S/N ratio by not using pin 1 at all.
Connect inner to pin 2 and outer to pin 3. This will remove the possibility of ground noise.

[bmwrob]

Originally posted by dhaen
You may be able to improve the S/N ratio by not using pin 1 at all.
Connect inner to pin 2 and outer to pin 3. This will remove the possibility of ground noise.

That was my first set up which didn’t work at all (see fig 17 from the link above). Pin 3 was connected to shield, but the shield was not connected at all on the other end (RCA).

[dhaen]

That's odd. It suggests that it's not a true balanced input.
Anyway, go with what works..

[bmwrob]

From what I’ve read the amp should be truly balanced.

I was thinking of testing the interconnect with my Krell FBP as well, but I didn’t dare as I was afraid that I could damage it. A relay in the Vincent was making noise when I used the first cable.

Well, I didn’t have time to do a DBT with my ABX box yesterday. I hope I can do it this weekend. It’s going to be interesting to see how such a relative long single ended interconnect made from an Belden Microphone cable, influents the sound.

Here’s some info ablut the Vincent:

http://www.vincent-tac.de/en/trans/SP_991.htm#
http://www.lefflershifi.com/Library/...P991_inuti.jpg

The amp only costs U$640 per channel here in HK which is bargain even if it turn out that it’s not fully balanced. It’s a remarkable good sounding amp for the money.