I'm a little confused on mixing Balanced and RCA connectors on the same cable..
(1) Can I do it ?
(2) Would there be any advantage using cables with mixed connectors in my set up ?
OPPO (Balanced to RCA) Candela preamp (RCA to Balanced) Stratos amp
(3) Is it safe bypass the preamp and go strait from OPPO to Stratos via Balanced connections on both ends ?
My set up :
OPPO 205. (RCA to RCA) ODYSSEY Candela (RCA to RCA) Stratos 2 ch amp.
The OPPO has both Balanced and RCA outputs ,,
The Candela (preamp) has RCA connectors only ,,
The Stratos (amp) has RCA and Balanced inputs (not truly Balanced ? )..
Really should have started a new thread for this question.
But..
(As an aside, but not good for your issues...
It is easy to split up a XLR out into two separate RCA. Using the XLR positive and ground for one RCA, the negative and ground for the other RCA. Best to use two full RCA cables, with the wires from a XLR body.
Remember the negative/ground is in reverse polarity compared to the positive/ground RCA. For the opposite, taking a RCA to an XLR, you only can get 1/2 of the signal anyway. The positive, and the ground. You have NO negative signal to work with))
But in reality for your purposes..
There is NO advantage to trying to force use of the connections mix. Use the RCA.. period. I promise you will not find any magic trying to screw around with modified XLR/RCA cables. And you may find out screwing around just cost you $$$ because you blew something to Hell.
The CD to amp is no problem, but either the CD player or the amp MUST have a volume control.
One problem may be the CD direct to amp may not sound right. (typically lean) due to mismatch impedance. issues but there is a danger of the CD being turned on at full volume and blowing up your speakers or amp with the full volume blast prior to your jumping up to turn it down... If you have EVER done it,, you will avoid the possibility.. Trust me.