Newbie: unbalanced versus XLR on DAC


I have an Arcam rDAC that I'd like to hook up to some monoblock amps and Thiel PCS speakers.

I know the consensus is that XLR > unbalanced inputs, but is the difference so great that I should go out and get a new DAC? Or all other things being equal is balanced okay?

(And consensus is also that long interconnects and short speaker cable runs is better than the other way round, right?)

Thanks very much!
aik

Showing 1 response by charles1dad

Great answers by Herman and Elizabeth.There`s much hype and theory, but unless you have to run very long IC cables, some of the very best sounding systems do just fine with un balanced components and IC cable. Now when it comes to Balanced AC power, that`s a different story you`ll certainly hear a difference for the better.