Balanced to RCA adaptors


I have a system using all XLR cables, and recently ordered a new preamp that is all RCA. (No choice here)
I am wondering, should I switch all my IC's to RCA, or can I just use the XLR to RCA Cardas adaptors and not have a sound degredation? If I do use the adaptors, do I need to use them at both ends of the IC or can I leave the amp end plugged in with XLR and the preamp end plugged in using the adaptor, to the RCA connection?
bullot
Hey, thanks very much Tvad!! I appreciate you sharing your obviously considerable exerience and knowledge!!
Check out the adaptors at sweetwater.com. I compared head-to-head vs. Cardas, and none of us heard a difference in my rig(see systems: Goosebump Factory). $5 vs. $75, or something like that...Audiophile vs. poor musician markups. Cheers,
Spencer
If as you state the RCA input on the Levinson is also "balanced" I'd go with an RCA cable and avoid the adapters. If you do try the adapters and find you prefer the sound in this configuration versus straight RCA cable, you could always have a custom cable made where it is RCA on the output end and XLR on the input end.
I'd avoid the adapters, if I could, but you've already got great advice on the options. Just make sure, if you get adapters, that they are worth a damn. I have a nice system and used a set for back channels (due to a temporary cable "changing of the guard") I pulled apart one of the adapters. It was a generic one sold here on Agon and was appallingly poorly made, horrific wire and cold soldered. It looked good on the outside, though. I guess it would serve the purpose, but you have nice gear. I would always have that suspicion that things weren't quite up to snuff, so if you do go with adaptors, get good ones with a return/inspection policy behind them.
I think we all agree that if the adaptors can be avoided, then do so........that is the direction I am going to go. As Jeffb said, I would alway be suspicious that the system is in some way not up to snuff. I will move to RCA and use the adaptors only as needed untill the RCA swap is complete. Thanks to everyone for their feedback!!