New DAC or new cable?

Your AX-7e provides rca inputs, as well as xlr inputs, and presumably it converts the unbalanced rca inputs into balanced signal pairs, since it has balanced internal signal paths. So why do either? Just use an rca-to-rca cable.

Doing that would result in some increase in the possibility of ground loop issues, compared to having a balanced interface, but chances are that won't be an issue anyway, especially if the cable lengths are not especially long, and you use good quality (not necessarily expensive) shielded cables. (Susceptibility to ground loop problems is dependent in part on the resistance of the shield or other return conductor in the cables).

And more importantly, I would expect that using an rca-to-xlr cable would result in an unbalanced signal being put through the balanced internal signal path, which is definitely undesirable for many reasons, including sacrificing much of the power capability of the amp.

Regards,
-- Al

Just go RCA at both ends. That what I did and it sounded great.

11-29-11: Almarg
... including sacrificing much of the power capability of the amp.

Correction: I should have included the word "possibly" in front of this phrase, as it depends on how the design is implemented.

Regards,
-- Al

Thanks Meiwan and Al. The reason I asked is because many people said the Ayre AX7-e sounds best using balanced input.

Yes, I have read that too, that the AX7e doesn't reach its potential with the RCA inputs. That has to do, in part, with the fact it is a balanced design. Using rca to xlr cable from the Minimax will not change anything-as the Minmax DAC is NOT a balanced design. So, addressing your question in direct terms, you will need a new DAC with true balanced output if you want you AX7e to receive a balanced signal- and make it sound its best (based on what reviewers have said).