Yes, thanks @bpoletti. I run all balanced in my system. I find it to usually sound better (in my system) to SE, even at short wire runs. At the least with XLR, I usually do not need to increase the volume as high :) But seriously, I realize that most tube equipment is SE. I guess that's one of the reasons why BAT and ACR are on my short list.
@4425 I used to use a subwoofer but after adding a synergistic research PowerCell I found that I no longer needed more base/slam. I was using a different line conditioner prior to that and it was apparently constraining lower frequencies. I think that the larger point that you are making about these preamps is an important one however. Thank you.