Balanced a good decision. Why?

Usually it's about the same.  First, is your preamp even balanced at all?  Many just ground the (-) pin and provide balanced inputs for convenience only.

However, if that's not the case, then balanced can provide better noise isolation and less chances for ground loops.

Balanced connections have crossed over from the professional world and are designed to be noise free for relatively long runs compared to RCA, but in the short distances of the average stereo rack it's usually about the same.

I happen to run balanced from my DAC to my integrated, about 2' but I don't think I'd hear a difference if I switched.

What ever works. Unless it's a long run you'll get nothing extra out of balanced. 

If the manufacturer of both components has a balanced design then that is most likely whatever they used (single ended or balanced) will sound better. The manufacturer of my components (Audio Research) uses a fully balanced designs and recommends using balanced interconnects… I tried both, I couldn’t tell the difference. So, I went with balanced as it is the future of newer gear. I am sure Audio Research put a lot of effort into converting to single ended internally in case you used it… less expensive brands will probably not. So, using the native component mode might be most appropriate.

Does audio research follow the AES 48 balanced standard, I don't think they have in the past.

@russ69 

Have you actually heard a complete true balanced system?

About 20 years ago I followed Paul McGowans move to true balanced kit. I have listened to the identical manufacturers 0.5m and 1.0m XLR cables and could easily hear the improvement from the 0.5m

Thanks y’all. I’m going 3’ into a Bluesound Node R/L channel, DAC internal, as well as Analog out, Sub out, Optical out, HDMI eArc, Optical in/Analog ( mini jack to Toslink Adaptor)…. Backside  ports. 
well, I have a 3’ Silver Balanced cable (coming) to RCA. MAaybe for its $50, I should return it, as I already have thick Silver shielded RCA cables?

YMMV.  Try them both and decide which one sounds better.  While balanced makes great sense, it doesn't always sound better.  

Long runs, pro use, quick change, superior protection from interference: balanced is a no brainer

Home, short run,, no interference problem, my experience, no difference in sound.

A Physically Secure connection is very nice, Balanced gives you that if your equipment offers it, one end or both.

Previously I changed everything to locking rca, so I had secure connections.

My only balanced is my Sony CD player. I asked like you are doing.

Several said ’balanced is better’. I asked everyone WHY use balanced? If no interference problem, Why would it be better?

NO ONE answered.

I tried it anyway, no difference in sound.

Balance is a snap in secure connection, and easily released, moved, reconnected. I would use it for that reason.

Rear Clearance: for the connector and to pull it out of the recessed socket, if tight clearance, balanced might not fit.

Right Angle Balanced connectors exist, just for example

Unless you have a highly revealing system and are spending thousands on cables it won't matter a hoot.

I would suggest get the best quality used cable you can afford, Cardas maybe?

Balanced cancel out RFI from the line You won’t hear it so much as what it does to subtle passages.

@lordmelton 

I have to agree. I have done extensive comparisons and even with long runs… 5 meters I really could not discern a difference. Theoretically they perform much better… but I think in reality it is a function of the components you are using.