Balanced vs RCA preamps

@billstevenson a tube preamp can be differentially balanced and even be direct coupled.

I always use an XLR connection because, in my experience, the sound is better (with volume matched) than the unbalanced outputs.

If the design is truly balanced, the higher output level from XLR can generally contribute to better sound (again, when volume matched) due to a higher SNR and lower noise floor in terms of THD+N. Apart from the well-known benefit of better noise rejection, handling the signal path separately for + and - significantly reduces crosstalk (see below).

The only potential adverse impact is that the output impedance of the XLR connection might be 2-3 times high. If you have an amplifier with low input impedance, such as a valve amp, you might run into impedance matching issue.

RCA or XLR preamp?  If you have a power amplifier with balanced IN, surely the preamp with XLR in-out would be good choice.

When I had an all Aesthetix system I used XLR cabling. Fast forward to current day and my complete Conrad Johnson system, as all CJ gear, is single ended. I have no issues with noise and the sound is fabulous. My cabling is all Audience Front Row.

I think people who like balanced enjoy plugging in the cables more than RCA. They look really cool.

I have a Conrad Johnson gat2 preamp which does not offer balanced.  by Having both balanced and unbalanced to me means they gotta spend more money duplicating circuits and I would prefer they spend even more money on one circuitry related to the unbalanced. Why spend money on stuff you're not gonna use and after all, balanced in my view relates to when you have really long cable runs which many of us do not.  But they are really cool to plug-in.