I have the LS-15 and use the Direct input for my DAC and the Balanced input for my phono stage. I can't say that I hear a big difference. Obviously you receive some advantges in gain when using balanced. Theoretically balanced makes a difference in very long cable runs. My entire system is balanced now because I was determined to benefit from the balanced optioned offered by the LS-15. Like the others I would not use the adapter.
