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XLR to RCA (balanced2unbalanced) connection

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Hello,

I have the following issue and would appreciate any help:

What is the correct wiring of a cable to connect the XLR output (of a true balanced source) to the unbalanced RCA input (of an amplifier) IN ORDER *TO NOT* LOOSE signal level ?

I strongly assume that this is about the connection of the MINUS and EARTH at the RCA end and that these must be soldered together; however, I don't have any certainty about signal loss, I only know that if NOT soldering these together I will have SIGNAL Loss.

My case concretely:

Source: Esoteric D-05, unbalanced outputs 2,5V, balanced outputs 5V, permits for volume control and direct connection to the amp.

Amp: Tom Evans Linear A, unbalanced RCA input.

I would like to have, ideally, the 5V onto my amp :-)

Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Adrian

Follow Ups:

RE: XLR to RCA (balanced2unbalanced) connection - Steve Eddy 11:27:02 07/01/09 (3)
What is the correct wiring of a cable to connect the XLR output (of a true balanced source) to the unbalanced RCA input (of an amplifier) IN ORDER *TO NOT* LOOSE signal level ?

Can't do it without losing signal level using a simple cable adapter.

The unbalanced input needs to be fed from from positive pin on the XLR and ground, which means you'll lose 6dB.

se
- RE: XLR to RCA (balanced2unbalanced) connection - adrian.cio@T-Online.de 13:11:17 07/01/09 (1)
  Here is what I found in the web ?!?:
  
  ***************
  http://soundslive.wordpress.com/2007/09/25/connecting-balanced-to-unbalanced-connections/
  
  :
  Since products may use balanced connections, unbalanced or a mix of both, it may on occasion become necessary to connect balanced inputs to unbalanced outputs, or vice versa. However, one needs to pay close attention to how this is implemented, otherwise several problems may arise.
  
  Signal Loss
  
  Although it rather a straight forward affair to connect a balanced XLR to an unbalance Jack via using an appropriate XLR to Jack lead, certain pin wiring is required other wise one may loose up to 6 dB of signal, which is quite a significant drop in signal level. Note that a drop of 3 dB equates to half volume, whereas 6 dB amounts to a ¼ volume (dB scale is logarithmic).
  
  A classic example of this point can be demonstrated by connecting the balanced output of a Mixer (say a Mackie 1202 VLZ) to a power amplifier that only has unbalanced Jack inputs via using a balanced XLR to TRS Jack lead. In this example, pin 3 (negative signal) may be left floating with no connection at the input stage of the amp and the result can lead to around 6 dB loss of signal, which is pretty severe. The outcome is that overall system will never produce the level of output that is capable of producing, which may leave the user somewhat short of performance. By simply ensuring that pin 3 is shorted to ground, at either within the XLR or Jack, will remedy this issue.
  
  *************
  
  this is the origin of my question, but I am not sure if they are right.
  - RE: XLR to RCA (balanced2unbalanced) connection - Steve Eddy 18:26:28 07/01/09 (0)
    this is the origin of my question, but I am not sure if they are right.
    
    The author is incorrect.
    
    Sorry.
    
    se
- RE: XLR to RCA (balanced2unbalanced) connection - adrian.cio@T-Online.de 12:44:50 07/01/09 (0)
  Thanks Steve!, I was indeed afraid that this is the case.
  
  Would the following make sense?:
  
  1. IF both the source and the amp would have SEPARATE signal and chassis grounds
  2. We would connect chassis grounds together
  3. and than feed the +,- of the XLR into the RCA
  
  any subtle risks ?
  
  Thanks!
  Adrian

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