balanced vs unbalanced

All things being equal, and assuming that the balanced is properly implemented (a lot of times it isn't!), balanced is the way to go.

Depending on the circuit details........some may need jumpers, others will not.

You can't hear a difference, eh? Maybe it isn't properly implemented. A lot of SS gear is not. They seem like to use the garden variety circuit that comes out of some "cook book", and it leaves much to be desired.

The leads on our phono setup is less than 1 m, and there is a definite improvement.