OP,
In theory, balanced cables makes sense over longer runs. As you may know this, the XLR connection carries a balanced signal. The signal through XLR cable at the receiving equipment, any noise that is common to both the hot and cold pins is cancelled out. This makes a lot of sense in recording studios where long runs of cable are often needed to carry the small voltage signal generated by a microphone (in terms of hi-fi) over very long runs of cable. In a home based system, the longest interconnect is 1 or 2 meter and the signal is up to 4 volts, the need for XLR connections is more questionable. The most important thing is sound quality, and this is harder to be certain about as this very much system dependent. In some systems XLR connection sounds better than the RCA and vice versa.
I would strongly recommend that you try both connections and decide for yourself which is the better sounding connection for you. Try good quality IC's from The Cable Company as they have a huge lending library and generous return policy.
In theory, balanced cables makes sense over longer runs. As you may know this, the XLR connection carries a balanced signal. The signal through XLR cable at the receiving equipment, any noise that is common to both the hot and cold pins is cancelled out. This makes a lot of sense in recording studios where long runs of cable are often needed to carry the small voltage signal generated by a microphone (in terms of hi-fi) over very long runs of cable. In a home based system, the longest interconnect is 1 or 2 meter and the signal is up to 4 volts, the need for XLR connections is more questionable. The most important thing is sound quality, and this is harder to be certain about as this very much system dependent. In some systems XLR connection sounds better than the RCA and vice versa.
I would strongly recommend that you try both connections and decide for yourself which is the better sounding connection for you. Try good quality IC's from The Cable Company as they have a huge lending library and generous return policy.