Balanced vs RCA preamps

You might want to search the topics on Balanced tech. And, PM fellow Audiogoner Ralph Karsten (atmasphere).

Though a piece of equipment might have balanced input/outputs, if it doesn't support the AES standard, then all bets are off. True balanced design will remove the grounding issues and allow the cables to work while minimizing inherent 'cable sound'.

Also, you need a system that can allow you to hear the difference between XLR and RCA. A basic system might not let you enjoy the benefits that you would enjoy with a higher resolving system. My 2 cents...

Bob

I never use balanced unless I have to.  you've already gotten the advice to always go balanced.  

The quality and sonic characteristics of the preamp are of the highest importance and the interconnect capabilities are of a vastly smaller or of no importance. But the world is slowly migrating to balanced. On some equipment they may sound slightly better.

For instance, I compared balanced and unbalanced on my current Audio Research equipment and I couldn’t tell the difference. Audio Research recommends balanced, but does a great job of converting to non-balanced.

If all else is equal... and it virtually never is... you want the option for either. There is a slow migration from unbalanced to balanced. You can save money by using unbalanced since often quality interconnects are much cheaper.

If I could get an older high end Conrad Johnson preamp for instance, that did not have balanced over a much lessor preamp with balanced. I would do it.