I have Pass XA60.8 amps. I have tried somewhat expensive SE cables and somewhat expensive XLR to my Allnic L-7000 pre-amp and to me the XLR carries more weight, clarity and enjoyment but I have gone thru several upgrades in gear and think I will try it again. Allnics' top Pre-amp is SE an way above my price point.
I wonder if the benefits of SE vs XLR are system dependent. Very well designed systems with well designed (AKA Expensive) gear is likely to be very quiet/low noise and allow the benefits of SE to shine. In other systems like mine the benefits of noise control are more apparent/important and results in an overall impression of benefits. As Ivor Tiefenbrun fo Linn said; "Garbage in, garbage out" and the noise on a lower level system is just being amplified.
I wonder if the benefits of SE vs XLR are system dependent. Very well designed systems with well designed (AKA Expensive) gear is likely to be very quiet/low noise and allow the benefits of SE to shine. In other systems like mine the benefits of noise control are more apparent/important and results in an overall impression of benefits. As Ivor Tiefenbrun fo Linn said; "Garbage in, garbage out" and the noise on a lower level system is just being amplified.