Balanced Signal Path Question

nope

Yup :-)

Probably, that is. I would think it to be very likely that the TVC isolates the ground connection on its input from its output connections, via the transformer. Assuming that is the case (and the manufacturer could presumably confirm that, or alternatively it could be confirmed via multimeter measurements), the answer to your question would be yes.

Regards,
-- Al

Edit - Then I should definitely try to use the balanced connection. One of the other benefits I've read is that cables carrying a balanced signal affect the sound less than an unbalanced cable. I have some Morrow audio MA-4 single ended interconnects that I will compare to a blue jeans balanced cable.

Also my power amp converts a single ended signal to a balanced signal internally within its input stage. I have read that there are sonic improvements by using a balanced connection but it sounds like using an XLR cable in my application will not help since the amp will have to do the same conversion anyway. However the circuit path would be slightly different running the XLR cable.

The amp probably will see some advantage from using the balanced input. This is due to the fact that its input stage isn't perfect and will be lower distortion driven balanced.