The benefits of a balanced connection are a reduction in common mode noise, that is the noise common to both signal lines. This will ONLY be the case when the source impedance of both lines are equal and the terminating impedances are equal. Any imbalance will convert common mode noise to some differential mode noise. Thus even in the case where a true differential stage is on the receiving end it will amplify this noise or visa versa. So both connections need to be true balanced connections to receive this benefit.
In light of all this, many manufacturers provide convenience balanced connections. These are usually implemented with an OP amp and won't present equal source impedances to the connected device or in the case of an input equal load impedances to the source device.
Like Al said above, you need to read the fine print and know just what you're dealing with. That said, it sounds like from reading the above response that the Parasound units are truly designed as balanced. I wouldn't stake my life on it though until I saw the schematics.
In light of all this, many manufacturers provide convenience balanced connections. These are usually implemented with an OP amp and won't present equal source impedances to the connected device or in the case of an input equal load impedances to the source device.
Like Al said above, you need to read the fine print and know just what you're dealing with. That said, it sounds like from reading the above response that the Parasound units are truly designed as balanced. I wouldn't stake my life on it though until I saw the schematics.