Balanced vs. Non-balanced

Here is Paul's take on this matter:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzEmKPTb18g

Always go balanced wherever possible.  In this case use the balanced input with whichever source device is more important to you.  Or if not sure try each and decide. Cheers!

So, "listen and decide" is likely the right answer, but I’d also ask "how is balanced achieved in each?".  If they take the unbalanced output and run it through and inverting opamp - fail. Unbalanced will be better. You may be srurprised but this covers the majority of implementations.  If the circuitry is balanced inherently in the previous device, then by all means use it. Unless you have a nonie problem, balanced will have minimal benefit.

I designed some inherently balanced stuff that was produced in high end volumes.  In those balanced was a tiny bit better but only when everything else was done properly.

I should add that the biggest benefit is when there is ground noise.  Done right balanced takes ground noise out of the picture.

I would use the XLR on your source if I were you.  Happy listening.

I have XLR  cables with pure silver wiring, so yes, I'd use it, but honestly it is rare that we need to in a home. 

There have been cases when I was at a show in NY and we had poorly shielded RCA cables and we were picking up a local radio station and I would have loved to have XLR's for this... but alas. 

At home, with short runs, the one major benefit IMHO is the locking nature of the plugs!