---
title: "Preciso: can I use the XLR and RCA outputs at the same time?"
description: "Both outputs are active at the same time: here's how they work and how to use two amplifiers together."
url: https://help.volumio.com/en/articles/169-preciso-can-i-use-the-xlr-and-rca-outputs-at-the-same-time
collection: "FAQ"
updated: 2026-11-06
language: en
---

# Preciso: can I use the XLR and RCA outputs at the same time?

Both outputs are active at the same time: here's how they work and how to use two amplifiers together.

The Preciso has two analog outputs: balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA. Both are active at the same time and carry the same signal, so you can connect two amplifiers (for example two headphone amplifiers) and use them together.

### How the two outputs work

-   Output levels: XLR (balanced) provides 4 Vrms, RCA (unbalanced) provides 2 Vrms.
    
-   The RCA output is taken from one leg of the balanced XLR output: there are no separate output buffers.
    
-   The hardware gain setting applies equally to both outputs, so XLR is always 6 dB above RCA.
    
-   The RCA ground and XLR pin 1 are connected to the same signal ground inside the Preciso.
    

### Using two amplifiers at the same time

You can connect one amplifier to the XLR output and another to the RCA output. If the input stages of the amplifiers are properly designed, the Preciso has no issues driving both, including when one of them is switched off but remains connected.

Since XLR is 6 dB louder than RCA, adjust the volume on each amplifier accordingly when you switch between them.