RCA or XLR?

It’s all about design and synergy.  As already noted, if your great is fully balanced, it generally sounds better with XLR cables.  If it’s designed for single ended connections, will generally sound better using those.  Some gear has XKR’s but isn’t fully balanced.  It’s really about the gear and its design.  I have fully balanced gear currently, from my DAC to my pre to my amp.  They all sound better using the XLR’s due to design. 

My limited XLR experience

XLR is not always properly implemented, so verify if you can. Perhaps others can give advice about this.

Short runs in home systems, I do not believe we need the improved shielding, but it doesn't hurt anything.

Locking XLR connectors are nice, I changed all my RCAs to locking type connectors. Moving any cable can inadvertently disrupt a connection.

Signal Strength: Not always, but most often I think, (if implemented correctly) XLR signal strength is higher than RCA, and this can allow you to keep a volume control in a more advantageous position, or drive equipment 'less hard'.

I have heard volume differences, but not any perceived 'better' or 'preferred' sound when I have tried alternate outputs/inputs.

Wear and tear on cables connectors? How many times do you actually plug them in and out?

Xlr all the way as it has an isolated separate ground.it has an advantage on longer runs as well. 6 more db as well. Happy hunting.maybe rca sounds better on some cuz there not truly balanced.

@opathy 

The same thought I had. I've had some RCA connectors for decades... especially when young and never had any wear on them even though I used to fiddle with them a lot.