Balanced versus single ended

I'm using a preamp that has both single ended and balanced.   For me it's a bonus because I can connect 5 analog sources .  Two XLR in and three RCA inputs are plenty analog inputs for me.   It allows me to use pro-sumer gear like DACs whether they have RCA out or not.   Using a pair of Nordost Blue Heaven 2 RCA and Mogami Pro Gold XLR from the same source it's hard to tell a difference.   Any perception of better sound is the difference in gain in my opinion 

Yess. I am aware of the point that long runs are best handeled by balanced connection.

But I am talking short runs only, and my experience is still: balanced sounds better.

Could this possibly be related to the increased gain(voltage)?, aside from the excellent points Atmosphere posted? It is more than simply an increment in volume.

Maybe it is the " op amp"? Is there variability in quality of these, tube ss?

Thanks for the input. It appears many don’t hear a difference.

Everyone of my Ayre manuals recommends balanced as does Parasound for the JC 1 monoblocks, JC 2 preamp, and JC 3 phonostage.  That convinced me.

db 

Could this possibly be related to the increased gain(voltage)?

Most likely but everything makes a difference, so swapping cables by itself can make it sound different but trust me there are plenty of very top tier systems that are running single ended cabling. 

Though both my preamp and power amp are true balanced designs i ended up preferring sonically the lower gain setting of preamp in single ended connection.

With same brand interconnects, same length, Audio Note Kondo KSL (balanced and RCA).