[Rocket]

Hi Guys,

I have an opportunity to purchase a BR20 preamplifier. I am enquiring whether I can connect a rthymic subwoofer to it easily?

Thank you for your help.

Regards Rod

[BeeJay]

FYI

Yes, you can absolutely connect a Rythmik subwoofer to a [Bryston BR-20](https://bryston.com/preamps/br-20/) preamplifier, and because both are high-end audiophile components, they will pair beautifully. [1, 2]
The Bryston BR-20 features two pairs of balanced XLR analog outputs on the back panel. This makes connection straightforward depending on your exact amplifier setup. [3, 4]
## Option 1: The Balanced Dual XLR Method (Recommended) [5]
This is the cleanest, most audiophile-grade connection method if your power amplifier uses balanced connections. [1]

* The Setup: Connect the first pair of Bryston BR-20 XLR outputs to your main power amplifier to drive your stereo speakers. [1]
* The Sub Connection: Connect the second pair of XLR outputs on the Bryston BR-20 directly to the Line-In XLR inputs on your Rythmik subwoofer. [1]
* Crucial Note: In the Bryston BR-20 software control settings via the Bryston WebUI, make sure both XLR pairs are configured as Variable Outputs so that the preamp volume control adjusts both the speakers and the subwoofer simultaneously. You must connect both Left and Right channels to the subwoofer. [1]

## Option 2: Using a Single-Ended Adapter (If your Sub lacks XLR)
Some entry-level Rythmik models (like the Rythmik L12) only have RCA inputs. Since the Bryston BR-20 only outputs via XLR, you can still make this work cleanly. [6]

* The Sub Connection: Use a pair of high-quality XLR-to-RCA cables or adapters from the second pair of XLR outputs on the Bryston BR-20 into the RCA inputs on your Rythmik sub. [1, 7]

## Dialing in the Integration
Because the Bryston BR-20 does not have built-in digital bass management (it outputs full-range audio to both pairs of outputs), you will rely on the physical controls on the back of the Rythmik subwoofer to blend the sound. [8]

* Set the Rythmik's Low-Pass Filter (LPF) to match the natural low-frequency roll-off of your main stereo speakers.
* Adjust the Phase and Gain knobs on the Rythmik to make sure the bass hits perfectly in time with your main speakers. [8]

To help you get the exact cables you need, which Rythmik subwoofer model are you planning to use, and what power amplifier are you running with your Bryston BR-20?

[1] [https://www.audiocircle.com](https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=172721.520)
[2] [https://bryston.com](https://bryston.com/preamps/br-20/)
[3] [https://sepeaaudio.com](https://sepeaaudio.com/high-end/network-streamers/bryston-br-20-flagship-stereo-audio-preamplifier-streamer-17-black-used-like-new/)
[4] [https://support.bryston.com](https://support.bryston.com/downloads/Brochures/Bryston_BR-20_Brochure.pdf)
[5] [https://www.hifinews.com](https://www.hifinews.com/content/bryston-br-20-networkdac-preamp)
[6] [https://en.homecinesolutions.fr](https://en.homecinesolutions.fr/p/30872-bryston-br-20)
[7] [https://tile.loc.gov](https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/master/mbrs/recording_preservation/manuals/Bryston%20Models%20BP-20%20and%20BP-25.pdf)
[8] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo5TwacV7-c)

[Rocket]

Hi BeeJay,

Thank you for the detailed response. My rhythmic only uses RCA inputs. I'll do some more research.

Kind Regards Rod

[BeeJay]

Hi Rod, Gemini dropped the ball slightly, Iˋll let it now that your sub does not have XlR inputs but I've delved into XLR>RCA connections a bit in the past.  Plenty of Hi-end suppliers have these cables.  Have a look if you like.¸

Cheers,
Barry

Yes, **XLR to RCA cables are entirely valid** and very common when you need to connect gear from two different audio worlds: pro audio/high-end hi-fi (which uses balanced XLR) and consumer electronics (which uses unbalanced RCA).
However, because these two formats handle audio signals fundamentally differently, there are a few important caveats you should know before plugging things in.
## How They Work (The Technical "Catch")
An XLR connection is **balanced**, meaning it uses three wires: a positive signal, a negative (inverted) signal, and a ground. This design is excellent at canceling out noise over long cable runs.
An RCA connection is **unbalanced**, using only two wires: a single positive signal and a combined negative/ground.
When you use an XLR to RCA cable, the cable has to bridge these two systems. It does this by **summing (shorting) the negative XLR pin and the ground pin together** to match the RCA's two-wire format.
### What this means for your audio:
 * **You lose the benefits of a balanced line:** The moment the signal hits the RCA side, the noise-canceling advantage of the XLR design is gone. The entire run behaves like an unbalanced cable.
 * **Keep them short:** Because the connection is now unbalanced, try to keep these cables under 15 feet (5 meters) to avoid picking up hum or radio interference.
 * **Signal drops:** If you are going from an **XLR Output to an RCA Input**, the signal volume might drop slightly (often around 6 dB). This is normal; you'll just need to turn your volume knob up a bit more.
## Directionality Matters
Unlike standard RCA-to-RCA cables, XLR to RCA cables are usually **directional** because XLR connectors have distinct males (pins) and females (holes). You need to buy the specific direction for your setup:
| Direction | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|
| **XLR Female to RCA Male** | Connecting a high-end DAC or preamp (XLR out) to a consumer amplifier or powered speakers (RCA in). |
| **RCA Male to XLR Male** | Connecting a standard source like a turntable preamp or streamer (RCA out) to pro monitors or a power amp (XLR in). |
## A Quick Warning on "Pro" Gear
If you are connecting an RCA source into a pro-audio piece of gear (like a studio mixer or certain power amps) via an XLR input, watch out for **voltage mismatches**. Consumer RCA gear operates at a lower signal level (-10 dBV), while pro XLR gear expects a hotter signal (+4 dBu). If the sound is incredibly quiet or lacks punch, you might need a dedicated hardware "line level matcher" (like a passive matching transformer) rather than just a simple cable.
For standard home audio gear, though, a well-made, properly shielded XLR-to-RCA cable will get the job done perfectly fine.