Balanced vs RCA Interconnects

i doubt you can make a valid comparison between balanced and single-ended ic's using products from different manufacturers or even products from the same manufacturer in different ranges. i've used only balanced ic's for years, thinking them to be superior to rca's and appreciating them for their "locked" connections. last november i visited a good friend in rhode island who shares my audio interests. he auditioned an "upgrade" to his ic's running between an accuphase cd-75v and jrdg model 10 amp while i was there. he was lent balanced and single-ended nordost qutrofil pairs as possible replacements for the balanced nordost spm he already owned. i was given the honor of sitting in the sweet spot while he switched the ic's. to my amazement but according to his predictions, the rca terminated quatrofil was clearly superior to the balanced quatrofil and spm in this setup. i've learned a lesson: if you really want to compare ic's, audition BOTH balanced and single-ended pairs before purchase.