My Opinion:
1. to compare, hear yourself: buy xlr from a source like Amazon that accepts returns
2. there is no reason to use XLR cables for the short runs in our home systems. They are made to prevent interference from LONG runs, i.e. jumble of cables back stage.
3. you might get a very slightly stronger signal out of xlr, but not much at all
4. I like XLR at home because they are positive snap in connectors. I have changed all my other cables to locking rca’s.