Balanced in phono stages preamp?

The Rowland Cadence features a truly balanced circuit (i.e., not just XLR connections that lead to a single-ended circuit). A phono cartridge produces a balanced signal, so a balanced phono stage has a certain logic.

I had an Aesthetix IO and it had a balanced input but as I recall it is not a balanced preamp, it converts to single ended in the input stage and then uses a differential amplifier to recreate a balanced signal.

Einslein offers a fully balanced phono stage.

I also have a BAT VKP10SE super Pak and have noticed significant improvement utilizing the balanced inputs. Also you can place the phono amp a distance from your pre amp by utilizing the balanced outputs.

My Ayre K-1xe preamp has built-in balanced phono boards, and they are amazingly quiet. (I use a basis Vector M3 that I had AJ terminate with XLRs.) I am very happy with the results!