RCA or XLR?

@ericrhodes1 , interesting comment. I am changing from single ended Rogue gear to balanced Rogue gear. So I need balanced IC’s. I have limited understanding of balanced topology. Rogue states Differential balanced , there is AES 48 , and other identifiers . Recently I asked this question to Nick at Rogue stating that I have nice RCA cables and wanted XLR. He said at least go with my single ended cables to start and don’t go crazy on expensive balanced IC’s. My Hera pre has a gain knob on the front with 5 progressive settings. Number 3 out of the 5 settings also say’s recommended for single ended. I get the extra gain and superior noise cancellation with XLR’s , but I’ve read comments about AES 48 gear being less influenced by cable selection , eg Mogami Vs $$$ stuff. Maybe someone can chime in. Cheers , Mike B. 

Balanced XLR to drop noise floor in my main SS system, RCA in my low watt tube system.  

I can only comment on  how Nordost cables work in my systems.  RCA connected Odin (high-end) cables sound much better than XLR connected Heimdall (mid-range) cables.  The difference between RCA and XLR is marginal, but the difference between Odin and Heimdall is very significant even though Heimdall cables are very good.   I've also tried this with mid-range Audioquest XLRs, and the RCA Odins completely blow them away in my tube-based systems.

I think it matters whether the components are allowing the balanced signal all the way through the system. If so, then XLR will usually sound better. And XLR will provide higher SPL. For instance  on my Denafrips Pontus 15th DAC, I note the following:

• XLR output: ~4.4 Vrms
• RCA output: ~2.2 Vrms
• That’s equates to a 6 dB difference 

If the equipment has an XLR option I will use it instead of RCA plugs.  Not a big difference in sound in my experience but the connections are solid and the cables look cool which adds to the audio jewelry factor.