PS Audio Stellar phono question

Is the new (mystery) preamp truly balanced. IC "quality" is probably a bigger factor.

I think it is true balanced, but consult PS Audio directly is my advice.

If both input and output are truly balanced, then yes, the XLR connection is much cleaner with much less noise.  Probably a good thing from a phono stage to a preamp...

Dear @hifinut51  : According with the J.Atkinson Stellar measurements @lewm  is rigth:

""" 

PS Audio specifies the voltage gain for the moving-magnet input as Low (44dB), Medium (50dB), or High (56dB), depending on the setting selected with the remote control. Looking at the Stellar's balanced output, I measured gains of 43.9dB, 49.35dB, and 54.8dB, very close to those specified. The gain at the unbalanced output was exactly 6dB lower at each setting. The nominal MC input gain is 60dB, 66dB, or 72dB. With the MC input's input impedance set to 47k ohms, I measured gains of 59.9dB, 65.4dB, and 70.8dB. The gains at the unbalanced output were again 6dB lower. Both the moving-magnet and moving-coil inputs preserved absolute polarity.

My estimates of the PS Audio preamp's output impedance were lower than the specified values, at 100 ohms vs <200 ohms unbalanced, and 300 ohms vs 400 ohms balanced. """

Please read again the @fuzztone  post.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.