Just got a new power amp

Erik

There has been so much debate over RCA vs XLR connections...

All I can say is that in my experience (with different mix of components - separates), I have always enjoyed the sound through my balanced connectors more than through my RCA's

However, I will say I have mostly used the pricier variety of cables including: Nordost, Kimber, Cardas, & Merlin

erik_squires

When an amp or preamp has XLR inputs there are three things that may be done: 

... Use op amps in differential configuration

... Very very rare - use discrete circuits to convert

That is a bit unclear. There are many differentially balanced components that use operational amplifiers ("op-amps") in purely discrete circuits. Audio Research, for example.

I realize there are people who have disdain for op-amps. But I think that’s just a prejudice based on their experience with cheap chip-based op-amps, of which there are more than a few. But - as with so many things in audio - the result depends on execution. There are good op-amps on chips.

Yes, of course. XLR's almost ALWAYS sound better, and by no small amount.

Pretty sure that, besides the other excellent comments above about dB gain one less conversion, most of what people pay for "good" rca's at $$$ can be accomplished with standard xlr's from Guitar Center at $. Audioquest would rather keep you in the "XLR's are for pro's and long runs" camp. I'm sure.