XLR interconnects

As several people have commented, if components have fully balanced connections, the balanced XLR connection does present an improvement over single-ended connections. I connect my fully balanced PS Audio DirectStream DAC and Classe AMP2 using a Pangea balanced XLR. As much as I did not want to eliminate my Absolute Sound Class A preamp...the sound difference was just to much better by directly linking the balanced components.

I was using AQ Water XLR's from my DAC to my amp, both balanced. I replaced my 3k DAC with a 12k DAC. Before I removed my old DAC, I tried a pair of High Fidelity Reveal RCA cables. They sounded much better & bigger cleaner sound stage. If I would of done this first, I would of never bought the 12k DAC. 

Musicfx..so did you regret your purchase? I use AQ King Cobras right now and they sound fine for me and my Rotel gear. From all I’ve read cables are system dependent and subjective in terms of what one hears and is happy with what they hear as well(but lets not start that debate as the focus is on XLR's and the differences between unbalanced and balanced). I’m looking forward to AQ Water interconnects balanced for now. I’ll go that route until I can see if my dealer will let me borrow a pair of AQ XLR Water interconnects and make a comparison for myself. Also it is the best I can afford right now anyways is the Water interconnects plus I like AQ products and have them in my current system and am happy with them. 

2007audioman

2007audioman, I am now happy with the new DAC, just been switching cables around. It is quite amazing. The AQ XLR's are very good with my new DAC although the Reveals are even better, but twice the price. I did order a pair of Reveal XLR's and will use them & use the Reveal interconnects with my phono stage. I kept one pair of AQ Water XLR's to use just for MQA with my music servers DAC. As far as AQ, I use their Diamond USB, Vodka optical and Comet speaker cables and am very happy with all of these. 

Experimentation with Single Ended RCA interconnects and XLR interconnects may prove enlightening.
Many preamplifiers have no issue driving single ended interconnects for a fair distance.  My interconnects are 5' long and I have no issues. It can also help to use shielded cable in your interconnects if you happen to find some artifact or noise with single ended.  Belden 9259 is inexpensive and a wonderful sounding interconnect.
In general terms XLR interconnects have the most benefit in home theater configurations.  Home audio rarely benefits unless your circumstances are unusual.
Good luck