Balanced vs RCA between amp/preamp


Well I'm taking my first step into separate components with a Marantz SC-11s1 and SM-11s1. Would like to know about the +/-'s of using RCA vs balanced interconnects between the two. All my input sources are single ended.

I understand the Marantz components balanced connections have pin 2 wired cold and pin 3 wired hot. Does this mean I need to reverse the cables going to my speakers (if I decide to use balanced connections between amp/preamp).

I also understand the RCA connections conserve absolute polarity. But is there a performance "hit" taken by using singled ended connections between amp/preamp?

Thank you in advance......
wec56

Showing 1 response by kijanki

Balanced gives you better electrical noise rejection (if you need it), but costs more and requires additional circuitry to make it  (less is more).   I don't have a choice since my current and previous amps have only XLR inputs, but I still appreciate locking feature.  In addition to locking XLR has only female end exposed - in case something gets disconnected.  It is additional protection from touching "live" wire.