SPDIF Crystal Cable for D400

[hardcore]

On the RCA(M)-XLR(M) adapter, I find that disconnecting / blocking Pin 1 (the shield ground pin), gives a more natural, larger sound. This would leave the XLR cable shield grounded only at the receiving (Companion) end.

How do you disconnect the Pin 1? you open the connector and solder out the Pin 1 yourself?

That's very interesting finding, I am going to try that in a few weeks time when I go back home. I am now using a WEL Signature AES from a Denafrips DDC feeding into the AES of my D400 as source, and using a Coffee digital RCA as the digital connect via a RCA-XLR convertor.

I have already ordered a Cardas XLR-RCA convertor, so I can try and swap using the Coffee as source and WEL Signature as digital connect and see which is better. I used to use the WEL Signature on the source as I have the concept that the source should matter the most and the WEL Signature should be a few steps above the Coffee.

I ordered a DIY RCA(M)-XLR(M) converter and cut the Pin 1 connector on that. I don't think you can do this with Cardas Clear adapters as they use continuous solid core connectors, and you wouldn't want to cut those. For Cardas Clear I think you can specify if you want the Pin 1 connected or not.

I bought these DIY RCA(M)-XLR(M) adapters at random but am glad they are well built. I'll try to upload some pictures. It was actually quite easy to do.

Amazon.com: KK Product HO-A RCA Male to 3pin XLR Male Adapter, XLR to RCA Converter Gender Changer Audio Coupler Connector. HO-A (2 Pack): Home Audio & Theater

You have to cut away the shrink wrap, then everything else can be unscrewed. Unscrew the RCA sleeve first, then unscrew the XLR cap, then you can remove the C-shaped spacer, then you can remove the XLR metal barrel, then you can access the XLR pins and cut Pin 1. Reverse the procedure to reassemble it.