The end of a balanced signal chain compares the positive signal phase to its mirror, and negative phase, and rejects anything else it may have acquired along the way as noise. This technique requires precise circuit matching and costs $$$. To take full advantage of this capability, the whole signal chain should be balanced starting with the source. However, connecting any balanced components together is helpful. You'll need balanced cables terminated with XLR connectors to hook it all up. Highly recommended! Enjoy your Macs.
balanced cables
What exactly do balanced cables do, and is there any difference in sound quality? What is it that gets "balanced"? I'm in the process of buying a new(used) Mac amp and preamp, and the literature says they accept balanced cables. Is this to connect the two pieces? I'd really appreciate having some light shed on this question. Thanks.