Considering Schiit equipment

Can someone explain the need for Balance controls?  Sorry for sounding dumb, but I haven't figured out the reason for making one channel (Left, Right) louder than the other.  Thanks.

It's not dumb Allen, it's always good to ask about something.  

In my case, I have a Sony DVD player that tends to be a little heavy on the left channel with audio. Been that way since day 1 and works great otherwise. Balance control remedies that. 

The Saga 2, to me, is a great value...but unfortunately the more than twice expensive Kara is better...the original Kara is sonically identical to the Kara F, but lacks the Forkbeard app...

If I went with the Kara F I would need a couple of RCA to XLR adapters though. 

Not sure which way to go on that. 

I haven't ruled out anything yet. As a matter of fact, someone off list told me about Benchmark Media. I took a brief look at their AHB2 Power Amplifier and their LA4 Line Amplifier (preamp). It has XLR and RCA inputs but not enough ( 4 total )even if I use RCA to XLR adapters. This company is actually not too far from me so I'm going to speak to them tomorrow hopefully. Maybe they can do something for me with more inputs. They are also above my price limit but for a local company, we'll see what happens. Maybe one amp and a preamp this year and another amp next year????? Those inputs are the deal breaker/maker. Schiit is definitely still a consideration too. Open to others as well. 

Cardas RCA > XLR adapters will work just fine for you since you are "down converting" meaning it's not a balanced signal you are trying to preserve. I doubt you would notice any difference. Ya get what ya pay for vs Amazon stuff. Search out a Cardas dealer. Make sure you get the right configuration on the adapters.