When to choice XLR over RCA ICs.

as per xlr vs rca itreally depends on length and components design.

long runs xlr is preferred if the devices are truly balanced ie differential cicuits then xlr

if thedevice uses a trasformer to turn rca to xlr the use rca.

hope that helps

Dave and Troy

audio Intellect NJ

Many differentially balanced components will yield 6dB more gain when operated fully balanced - that is, balanced input and output. Another way to look at that is a 6dB improvement in s/n. That can be noticeable.

There is no real difference at one meter.  However there may well be a difference in how each is implemented in the Amp.  Often XLR is implemented with a small transformer which colors the sound a bit and amplifies it.  Louder sounds better.  

Also, the term balanced implies that RCA is imbalanced.  Balanced must be better.  People make choices based on superficial impressions like this.  

Jerry

some simply prefer the tighter connection when the XLR cables click into place...

Make sure what they are running between is all so balanced. Just because a unit has XLR imputes or out puts does not mean it's balanced when running XLR cables between real balanced gear has alway sounded better  to me than single ended.