CD player/streamer XLR to input 1, and RCA to input 2

Hi again everyone -

Just when you think you’ve heard it all, I come up with this question (used to work on my Bryston preamp) but am not doing anything to my BHK preamp until I get some advise.

I currently have a CD/SACD/Streamer unit. From that unit I have XLR cables going into Input 1 on my BHK preamp.

When I use the streamer, it’s not the best part of the unit, it sounds more musical if I use a warmer RCA interconnect.

Can I put the XLR cables to Input 1 on my BHK preamp, and put the RCA cables to Input 2 on my BHK preamp, and switch between them?

Please everyone, I know it sounds a bit wonky, but for now the streamer works with the RCA cables.

Thanks, as always, in advance…

It depends on if your streamer/CD player outputs both RCA and XLR simultaneously. What you are talking about is actually a good idea for getting some versatility in your sound. I do the same thing but in a different way in my system. I have both XLR and RCA outputs on my Freda + preamp that are both active. I hook up both to my Loki Max equilizer where I can select between the two. My XLRs offer a more open sound and my RCAs are warmer, softer sounding. I can switch between the two to best complement the music I’m playing at the moment. I really value that kind of versatility. Give it a try and see how it works for you.

so i’m not crazy…

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Well, I never said that!

I know you didn’t, I just meant in my own mind.

You’re not a neigh sayer.

This is a nice modification to my system since tone controls are no longer available. I use my good cables for, well, good recordings. Many of my 70’s cd’s that I enjoy for the music (?) rather than the recording quality, I can now switch to another input using my ‘duller’ cables (RCA) and it really makes for an evening of memories. In a way, it’s like i switch off listening to the stereo, and listen to the songs.