Balanced signal into unbalanced RCA

[Rthodox]

Here's my dilema:
I only have money for a sound card that has unbalanced (RCA) inputs which I want to use in a home studio setup. The problem is that the output from my future preamp (the VT-1) would be balanced (or so I think). Some people said that if I plug a balanced signal cable into unbalanced RCA's I'm going to have a lot of noise. What is your oppinion on this? Is this a major problem? Do I need to think seriously about another soundcard?

 

[Track Rat]

Most gear will operate into a balanced or unbalanced load. Granted balanced is better, with short cable runs there won't be a big difference. Where you'd get into trouble is operating one piece of equipment at +4 with equipment that's operating at -10 levels.

 

[Rthodox]

Thanks Track

that's all I needed to hear. the levels won't be a problem. My two choices in sound cards are the Audiophile vs. Delta 1010LT. Both accept +4 and -10 so there's no problem. It's only that the 1010LT has XLR inputs and the Audiophile only has RCA


Thanks,

Tase/Rthodox