balanced vs. unbalanced sound quality

I just tried the balanced inputs on my pre and amp and noticed a big increase in overall quailty. I agree with Aaronmadler, both of the makers of my gear recommended the balance inputs and in my case they are right . By all means try it!

Hi Sebrof, yes the adjustment for the 6db of gain was adjusted for with a trusty Rat shack calibrator. One of the biggest things I noticed was sound stage height and a more enveloping sound, excellent separation between instruments, more of a carved out center image with no loss of already great ambience retrival, and a harmonic bloom I didn't think was possible at this level. And to top it off, an over all cohesiveness to the music. After carefull listening, it didn't even sound like the same amp! (Halo A21)), after many RCA cables they all got me to about 75% of the potental of the amp. Balanced revealed the 25% RCA wont IMHO. Even my Anthem AVM 20 sounds more refinded. For me the urge to upgrade to a dedicated 2 channel preamp has been put to rest. Mabe a new dac?.

Yes bigger sound stage and lower noise, I agree 100%.