Jaco

Untested but... XLR to Phono converter (ie Maplin N27GB or N64FL) then XLR plug or socket to suit wired via CAT5e/6 cable [shielded preferred but probably unnecessary] to RJ45 plug or socket+patch lead wired as XLR pin 1 (ground) to RJ45 pins 2+5 (orange+blue/white) [+shield if necessary], XLR pin 2 (AES+) to RJ45 pin 7 (brown/white), XLR pin 3 (AES-) to RJ45 pin 8 (brown) - colours as per EIC/TIA-B as commonly found on comms sockets.

Should be bi-directional passive device, but untested and unproven. At own risk etc etc. Everything depends if XLR/phono unbalanced output works or a true balanced connection is actually needed. This is audio only so will go behind processor to convert RJ45 speakerlink into existing S/M lead audio for legacy speakers so can use existing comms.

Total cost, less than �15 if you use RJ45 crimped plug and a bit of time to solder 3 pins/4 wires [+shield], slightly more if you go RJ45 socket/patch cable. Even better would be to take an existing 0.5m patch cable (STP) and cut in two, then you have two leads made up and only need to solder on to XLR plug/socket. You will need to know if patch cable is wired EIC/TIA-B or less common EIC-TIA-A as colours will differ - check colour of pin 1 - if its orange its "B", if its green its "A", if its brown you are looking at the wrong end! If pin 8 is blue (actually blue/white but it will probably be too small to see the white) then its a crossover cable - you want a patch cable which is all pins coloured same at each end.

To do it properly would require a small PCB to be made in which case, comms and RS232 could also be added and the XLR balanced/unbalanced circuit replicated to create a small neat box with three or four RJ45-speakerlink in / phono+comms out. In which case, t42 or someone else's unit may be a more professional alternative.

Meridian owner since 1992
Prime & PSU, Focal Elear headphones, Roon (ROCK 8Gi5 NUC), Explorer 1 & 2, F80. 200/203, various Sonos (via Roon).