would I benefit getting a balanced amp (BAT 55se) - given my pre-amp is RCA output

If you ever do go to balanced outputs, make sure your equipment is following the AES standards. Many manufacturers add XLR input/outputs on their equipment, but some do not follow the AES standard-in which case, you don't fully get benefits of using XLR.

Bob

@gdnrbob I googled AES and it is an encription standard.  How is that applicable?  I'm sure I got the wrong AES.

Yup, the wrong AES.

Here is an article elucidating the standard-

https://www.ranecommercial.com/kb_article.php?article=2107

Or, just PM Ralph Karsten (atmasphere), to get it from the best authority.

Bob

@carlsbad 

+1

Best you chose your amp based on its sound. In the case of real audiophile equipment this is the determinant factor (BAT definitely qualifies). Then deal with which connectors to use. Your next preamp will undoubtedly have balanced outputs. The big deal is the sound of the component. If you loose a tiny bit of fidelity … it will not make a big difference.

My experience is that BAT amps are dreadful unless paired with a BAT preamp.  At minimum, a differentially balanced preamp like an Ayre is required or it sounds bad.  

It will connect and the signal will play with RCA to XLR cables.  It will not sound good.