Traditionally the primary advantage for using balanced (XLR) interconnects is to keep the noise floor low in long cable runs. Microphone cables which operate at low voltages and have long strings of wire from their position by the musicians to the mixing console is a classic use.
Balanced connections also give more output (6 dB as I recall) than unbalanced.
If you have a short run there may not be much to gain. However, remember in this hobby there is no issue too small for some enthusiasts. You can only try and see if it is worth it to you.
Regarding the "crispness" in your sound, I might suggest borrowing a different DAC. The Benchmark does have a reputation for having a well-defined edge. I use a Lavry DA-10 and really enjoy it.
I had a Bel Canto S300 for about a year and thought it was a great amp. I had no problem with the sound but went back to tubes simply because I'm a tube fan from way back.
You didn't state what speakers you are using. It is a bit of fashion in the high-end these days to have a highly defined, sharply etched sound. The Benchmark in combo with the speakers may simply be highlighting this quality.
Balanced connections also give more output (6 dB as I recall) than unbalanced.
If you have a short run there may not be much to gain. However, remember in this hobby there is no issue too small for some enthusiasts. You can only try and see if it is worth it to you.
Regarding the "crispness" in your sound, I might suggest borrowing a different DAC. The Benchmark does have a reputation for having a well-defined edge. I use a Lavry DA-10 and really enjoy it.
I had a Bel Canto S300 for about a year and thought it was a great amp. I had no problem with the sound but went back to tubes simply because I'm a tube fan from way back.
You didn't state what speakers you are using. It is a bit of fashion in the high-end these days to have a highly defined, sharply etched sound. The Benchmark in combo with the speakers may simply be highlighting this quality.