Are Expensive Balanced Interconnects Necessary?

Most people can't help arguing balanced vs unbalanced even if the question is something else. 

My answer to the original question is that moving very far up the manufacturers line in either balanced or unbalanced provides limited or no returns but that both types of connectors benefit from good wire, good connnections, and good connectors so don't go with amazon cables.  

Cables do sound different, even in xlr configuration, it is up to you and the system if necessary.

Differentially Balanced kit means 2 totally independent channels (not touching each other), including 2 separate power supplies (one for each channel/L/R), but often a single PS is substituted. How critical 2 v 1 is I don't know, BUT,....

Doesn't it make sense that totally isolating the channels (no cross talk, or other potential compromises) would provide 2 pristine  channels? And if you understand that, THEN... how can ANY SE kit be true hi-end?

Many folks have said what I've experienced:

1. It depends; the equipment must have differentially balanced circuitry to have significant benefit from balanced cable
2. There is 6 db more level
3. Experiment - we all are people with biases.  I've first started Mogami and experimented with Kimber Kables - which I decided to buy because I thought there was an improvement in the dynamics especially at high and low frequencies.

My view is cables can compliment your system - I'd be deliberate on when you decide to invest in cables especially if you are considering upgrading other components.