I am no techie, but as with all things audio related...implementation matters more than theory. totally agree with you that more connections should theoretically result in more signal degradation. But if the XLR output implementation on BAT is better than the RCA out, or has higher output or something than the RCA output...that could explain this. I think I have read somewhere that some BAT owners prefer going balanced out from their BATs.
XLR to RCA Adapter Dilemma
So, I've read a fair amount on the forum about degraded sound when using adapters. I have a BAT preamp with single ended as well as balanced inputs/outputs. When I use the RCA output from the preamp to the RCA input of my single ended power amp, the sound becomes noticeably thinner than if I use an XLR to RCA adapter from the preamp's output to the RCA input of the power amp. I know that more connections SHOULD result in sound degradation; however, that is not the case with my system. Any thoughts on this? Thanks, folks.