Is there a difference in balanced cables??

Yep, I searched the archives. Lots of threads about balanced vs. single ended. I did not see anything concerning difference in quality or sound from one brand to the next. If there is a difference, is it clearly noticable?
I remain,

I have written extensively here the last several years on my experiences with various XLR cables from Cardas, SilverAudio, Audioquest, Transparent, NBS, Kubala-Sosna, etc. There has been a huge difference with each of these along the way of continued system refinement.

Do a search for any of these brands, as well as Purist Audio and Nordost, and you will get a good idea as to the pros/cons of these cables in the context of varying levels of music systems.

John

Baffled,

You are asking about one of the great debates in audio. In this regard, my thought is that all the same differences in the various brands of single-ended (RCA) cables also apply to the different brands of balanced (XLR) cables.

These differences may stem from anything from different materials, to different geometry, to different "skin" or "dielectric" effect (contributing to potential differences in capacitance, resistance or inductance) to different connectors to . . . yes . . . different hearing acuity and sonic preferences.

With interconnects, I'd have to say that anyone in this day and age who actually claims there is NO sonic difference between any interconnects may not have the hearing or system to differentiate that difference.

Although it may be intially helpful to read about any of our relative opinions on the differences in various cables, due to the huge amount of variables in our audio systems (ranging for example from the room, to the associated gear to the AC power, to our sonic preferences and priorities), in the end, the best method is for you to try and listen to as many different cables as you can and then make up your own mind if a certain cable fits your needs and budget.

Great responses! Now I know the balanced cables could and probably do matter. However, with such diverse opinions here I have to believe the difference is subtle. Especially to my untrained ears. I am in a major digital front end upgrade phase at the moment. I plan to focus on all cables once my gear is revealing enough for me to really hear the difference ( or not). The folks at Blue Jean really played down the need to spend big bucks on balanced cables. I just wanted to see what the 'Gon community had to say about it. As I get further into this hobby I am finding there are no absolutes. Only what you hear for yourself.....or think you hear. Thanks for your help.