ddHiFi XLR44B XLR to 4.4mm Balanced Adapter – Converting The Flow
ddHiFi XLR44B is an adapter designed to convert an XLR Headphone output for using a balanced 4.4mm cable with that output. Today we will review the XLR44B and see whether it is a good purchase.
Introduction
ddHiFi is a popular brand in our reviews, and the little adapter we’re reviewing today comes out of necessity. There are far too many large headphone amplifiers that have an XLR output, buit most of the aftermarket cables and of the native cables now come with a 4.4mm balanced jack, so to use those cables with the AMPs that have an XLR output, we will put the XLR44B to the test. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases, and using the purchase links in my reviews helps me maintain this website and Youtube Channel. Huge thanks to ddHiFi for providing the sample for this review, in exchange for my honest opinion.
PROs – Very nice build quality, beautiful design, no changes in sound, excellent price.
Cons – Scratches a bit easily.
Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3UjJKfp
Aliexpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdIwXEd
Build Quality/Aesthetics
ddHiFi XLR44B is a very simple device that comes with a very simple idea. Ht has a high quality 4.4mm balance socket with internal welding wires protected by an insulated layer and shielded by a metallic enclosure for a durable product.
The new 4.4mm balanced connectors are wqidely used nowadays, but XLR is still a popular standard for serious amplifier products, as it imposes more respect and looks better for folks who grew up with the larger XLR standard. To satisfy everyone, an adapter could come in handy, and XLR44B promises to be that adapter.
XLR44B relies on the Swiss Band Neutrik to provide their NC4MXX-B for the front component.
Neutrik is one of the most popular producers of adapters, and should make a good connector / adapter. XLR44B has a low weight of 29 grams, and a length of 48.5mm.
Sound Quality / Subjective usage
For such a simple adapter, the design is simple, and the only downside I could find with it has been that it tends to scratch a bit easily around the sharper edges. To test it sonically, I have used a couple of amplifiers that have both a 4.4mm balanced headphone output and an XLR output, including Singxer SA-1 V2, HiFiMAN Prelude, HiFiMan Serenade, and aune S17 PRO.
The headphones I have used are Dan Clark Audio Expanse, HIFIMAN HE1000SE, and Sennheiser HD660 S2.
Regardless of the cables used, there has been no difference in sound when I used the native 4.4mm balanced output, or a balanced cable with a 4.4mm jack and the ddHiFi XLR44B adapter connected to the XLR output of the amplifier.
This means that it is audibly transparent, there is no change in sound, no degradation, it is the perfect adapter for everyone who needs a simple and efficient solution to use a 4.4mm balanced cable with a source that has XLR only and no 4.4mm balanced outputs.
Value and Conclusion
For the price of $39 USD, ddHiFi XLR44B is an excellent little product with a strong performance and a fully recommended purchase for those in need of a transparent adapter that will not degrade the sound of their setup.
Product Link
Amazon – https://amzn.to/3UjJKfp
Aliexpress – https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DdIwXEd
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Full Playlist used for this review
We listened to more songs than those named in this playlist, but those are excellent for identifying a sonic signature. I recommend trying most of the songs from this playlist, especially if you’re searching for new music! The playlists are different for Spotify, Tidal and Youtube, and based on the songs I enjoy and are available on each!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_cjBXGmwSHSdGcwuc_bKbBDGHL4QvYBu
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5J3oloz8Riy9LxEGenOjQ0?si=979ba4f082414be7
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/330fd544-8e5b-4839-bd35-676b2edbb3d5
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