Considering switching to XLR cables,

Thank you for all your comments.  Regarding the Kubala Fascination RCA IC and speaker cables.  When I purchased the Magges a will back at the time  I compared the Kubala to Nordost cables and another pair that I don't remember.  At the time the Maggies were not broken in so they were very bright with the Nordost.  YOu may know that Maggies can take a year to break in which I wasn't aware of at the time. The Kubala had a overall good balance and tamed the brightness so I purchased them.  IMO and my system they are probably titled to the warmer side.  I can't say I'm disappointed with them.  I've always liked the fullness of tube sound and todays products have brought the warmth of tubes and digital a lot closer.  Over time I've moved to all balanced electronics so reason for considered balanced, and also they are recommended by ARC if noise is present, but Pass didn't feel there would be any difference.   I will check with Kubala on the Fascination XLR for a direct comparison..

So I'm considering lower cost cables since  a friend let me try the Kubala Elation XLR (very expensive) between the DAC and the preamp, and I had a cheap pair of Cardas between the Preamp and amp.  The difference was subtle with a more relaxed presentation not necessarily better, and probably not a fair comparison.  the Cardas may have negated the benefit of the Elation.  The major difference in that combination was the gain across the preamp, not that it was needed but present.  I do live in the northeast and definitely in the evening the system sounds much better, cleaner and happy with the  current set up.  So curiosity about any noise that may be present and trying XLR.

At the end of the day in this hobby, always curiously looking to see if there is more in resolution, transparency, without sacrificing weight/fullness of that mid range magic at a reasonable cost.  thanks again. 

@salc for less critical balanced conn I use Gustard XLR cables, featured w/ Neutrik terminations and sufficient quality cable. for critical interconnects Accuphase ASL/C series cables, 1/1.5/3m avail., work the best for me (pricey). 

What are you using for speaker cables, digital cables, power cords, and power conditioning just because all that matters?  While I’ve read nice things about the upper level KS cables the Fascination is at best mixed, which is I think what you’re wrestling with now.  I’d suggest trying these Acoustic Zen Matrix II XLR interconnects that you can get for $725 for two pairs, and if they don’t work out you can easily sell them for little/no loss so very low risk to try.  I have them and they may well preserve the warmth you like — they’re very natural-sounding interconnects — while adding some treble detail/air you may be missing.  Just another idea FWIW, and best of luck.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650192584-acoustic-zen-zero-crystal-matrix-reference-ii-10m-and-15m-rca-and-balanced-11-pairs/

@soix -  IC and speaker cables are KS Fascination, Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8 USB between streamer and DAC, Power cords are a mix with original and Forte A3, with Amp and Preamp directly to wall with surge protection no conditioner. Thanks for the suggestion.

This year I celebrate my 50th anniversary of working with XLR connectors, also marking my transition from college hifi guy to professional audio. In every imaginable parameter the XLR is superior to the RCA connector.

But that's not the question. Is it audibly superior at lengths less than 5 meters? The answer is no. At longer lengths, over 10 meters, the answer is unquestionably yes. True balanced connections have much better common mode noise rejection, but until that reaches a meaningful threshold, who cares? 

If you choose to locate your power amps a couple feet from your speakers, and the preamp a 30ft cable run away, balanced - true balanced, not 'Pin 2' balanced (which is actually just unbalanced wired with XLRs) - works much better.  

Using XLRs for nearby peripheral interconnects is fine, but know  that in the context of hifi, it's just a vanity move. In an RFI dense studio, maybe not so much. 

Just calling it as I see it.