Please clear up my confusion re: meaning of "balanced" !

I am confused about this term. I've been told it can refer to either a type of topology or simply a type of connection.

If this is true, can I connect a DAC (Aqua La Voce S2) with balanced XLR outputs to a headphone amp with balanced topology (Schiit Jotuheim 2) ?

Here are links to photos of back panels of both components:

DAC:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649395475-aqua-la-voce-s2-dac/images/1710537/

Headphone Amp:

https://www.schiit.com/products/jotunheim-3

stuartk07-24-2021 5:29pm

erik_squires Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 15,667 posts 07-24-2021 at 08:37pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete 3 pin XLR connectors are considered balanced cables and connectors. Not all devices with XLR plugs are balanced either in the input or circuitry. That is, some amps have XLR inputs for convenience, but the (-) pin and GND pin are shorted together, so in fact you gain none of the long distance/noise cancelling benefits of a true XLR connection. Then there are manufacturers who essentially create a new amp/preamp section for both the (+) and (-) sides. This requires twice the parts.