If -- and only if -- you have a fully balanced circuit (not just XLR connectors), balanced interconnects are far better at rejecting interference and noise, especially with long interconnects (say over 15 ft.). This is why balanced interconnects are the norm in pro audio. For most home hi-fi applications unbalanced RCA interconnects work as well or better. The confusing issue is that many manufacturers fit XLR connectors to their amps and preamps without having the fully balanced internal circuitry. Without that the component is just "converting" unbalanced to balanced and, as if usually the case, a more complex signal path, produces higher, not lower noise. Hope this helps. Joel Tatelman.
