Balanced analog or HDMI from Sony 5400ES

I suspect the answer depends on the relative strength of the DAC in the processor v that in the 5400ES, but do you have a preference? In my case, i'm using HDMI and the processor is a Cary Cinema 11a, but I'm considering moving to a Parasound JC-2 BP and using balanced analog. I also use 7.1 analog from an Oppo 105 and balanced analog from a JC-3.