Are they truly balanced?

The BAT preamp is a true balanced design from input to output. There are not that many that are really balanced. The Atma-sphere from what I understand is another one.

All of Sonic Frontiers present pre-amps, ie the Line 1,2 and 3 are fully balanced. The new SE versions would also be fully balanced. But you're right, you have to specifically ask a knowledgeable rep., or see literature, of the product to know for sure.

BTW, not everyone agrees that fully balanced operation sounds best-- this is an area of contention, and their have been many threads discussing the subject. I don't use XLR, but then I haven't given it a fair trial either. Sonic Frontiers and Madrigal both strongly recommend balanced. Good Luck. Craig.

The only ones I am certain of are Aesthetix Callisto, BAT, Atmasphere, and Elliott EASE Magnum. There are probably others, but I will leave that to others who are positive as to which ones.

All ARC preamps with AES/EBU (XLR) connectors are balanced as are all Madrigal products. If nothing else, the AES/EBU connector puts the + and - part of the signal on identical pins. The RCA connector puts the + on the center pin and the - on the outer shell. This cannot be as good as it is asymetrical. Also, balanced cables have a male connector at one end and a female at the other so you don't have to "follow the arrows". When you hear the "click" as you plug in a balanced connector, you know you have a good contact. All in all, a much better way to hook up audio gear.