Balanced cables

As was mentioned above, the output of a "balanced circuit", if truly balanced, will almost always double the output voltage of that device. Just because a component has XLR connectors, doesn't mean the circuit is fully balanced.  I don't care when the term "balanced" was introduced, the outcome is the same. Balanced cables are a huge asset when running longer lengths, or when cris-crossing line voltage wiring.  You have two separate signal wires, both shielded by the woven mesh.  This eliminates possible 60hz hum, or IR interference, that can and sometimes will present itself, when using SE cables.  I wish my Rhea had balanced phono inputs, but as someone once said, " you can wish in one hand a shat in the other and see which one fills up first."  As far as SE phono interconnects, I found that when making my own, using 2 conductor with a messed shield, leaving the mesh out of the circuit on one end, will greatly improve the sound, by keeping the signal wires shielded from any interference that may be picked up from induction.  In the long run, no pun intended, whatever works best for you, is what you should use.  The original question was about different brands, not if balanced is better.  For me and my application, balanced works best for me.