Balanced vs. Non-balanced

@doyle3433 

The primary advantage to balanced connections is that you can run long interconnects between sources, preamp and amplifier without picking up extraneous noises or interference and without signal loss over the length of the interconnect. Balanced however, requires two identical circuits one for left and right which doubles the number of circuit board components in each of the above referenced devises and raises cost.

Ultimately, using this feature depends how you have your system configured regarding component location and if balanced is advantages to you or if you prefer it's sound over single ended if you can notice a difference. 

Doyle3433 is spot on.  The only advantage of balanced is if your interconnects are quite long (over 15 ft or so).  Also true balanced output will be 6db louder so when u compare make sure u compensate 

The specs of your Luxman show only one line measurement for SNR to be 105 db, unlike some Accuphase integrateds that have a higher SNR for RCA vs. XLR input. I would bet on the XLR input in your situation as the input impedance of the XLR is higher than the RCA.

Regardless of the specs, your ears will determine which connection. Congratulations on your Luxman, a very nice class A integrated.

@doyle3433, see here 

Mike

I agree with most of what has been said.  most important- verify that the Luxman is truly balanced.  and if yes, then try your ears to pick which source.  the low level of phono signals (from the cartridge) is irrelevant because the preamp makes it same level as the CD outputs.  of course, if you listen 90/10 to one source, that should be obvious too.

I think the best thing about all XLR is it takes cables out of the equation.  no need to spend more that the $75 (depends on length) for a set of Mogami XLR with quality connectors.