Will I need special cables to connect my DAT machine to my home system?

Most DAT machines will hook up to your home stereo using standard RCA cables like the type used to hook up your analog tape deck or CD player. Some portables, including the very popular Sony DAT walkmans connect using an eighth inch stereo mini to RCA cable. A cheap one can be obtained at radio shack. Some professional DAT machines have a balanced XLR 3 pin type connectors. In order to interface this with your home stereo you need a special cable to unbalance (go from 3 to 2 pins) the signal. Some preamps with balanced inputs in which case you would need cables with XLR connectors on each end.