Balanced cables

Thanks Al,
It really helps (me at least) to have all that info in one coherent explanation.  

HELP - pls:
I have a preamp w/XLR and RCA outputs, new tube amps in transit that have only RCA inputs and existing balanced (Transparent w/box) ICs previously used w/ARC 210 tube amps.  I have Cardas XLR>RCA adapters on the way too. The distance from preamp > amp is about 1 meter)
I've read all of this thread (lots over my head) but am left with the question of whether using the adapters (to avoid more cable cost) is liable to hurt/help/or be null.  Please advise/inform me.
Thanks

You have to tell us what brand the amp is.
B

The incoming mono tube amps are PrimaLuna HPs
Thanks

Balanced and single-ended (RCA) operations are inherently incompatible. So if RCAs are used its not balanced, and if the XLR outputs are used (and the preamp is properly balanced) then the use of the RCA connections will result in a buzz.

IOW its one or the other and never both, unless additional active circuitry is used.

The gain has nothing to do with it whatsoever. That is saying that to make something sound better, you just make it louder.

@atmasphere 

Are you able to expand on this further? I get buzzing if I use 2 sets of RCA cables with my standalone Phono stage. i.e. if I run RCA's from turntable into Phono and then I run RCA's into PreAmp I get buzzing. If I run Phono direct to Power Amps (phono has vol. control), no buzzing. Same if I go direct to Pre-Amp with inbuilt Phono no buzzing, but go standalone Phono into same Pre-Amp I get buzzing, so it appears two sets of RCA's from Phono sets off buzzing.

Thank you.