basic passive preamp

Gents - I see Luminous Audio offers an XLR equipped version of the Axiom, can anyone tell me if that represents a true balanced design?  Hoping it's not a completely ignorant question.  My very basic understanding is that just because a piece of gear is equipped with an XLR connector does not mean the design is actually balanced.  Thanks in advance.  

I wrote to Tim Stinson at Luminous Audio. He replied that the design of the XLR equipped Axiom II is fully balanced.

You might also think about a used Placette Audio passive. Their bigger one has 3 inputs, uses vishay S102 resisters, has remote control, consistent input impedance.

Reference Line preeminance one passive pre, I have one for sale?
 Very nice passive pre all cardas wiring, if your system is on the neutral to warm side they are amazing . 
I recently renovated my house so the room is now very bright with bright speakers so I have purchased a older tube pre. Preeminance one Affordable at $300.    

hocheye

Sent you a PM re the  Reference Line preeminance one, I can always have another passive to do demo A/B's against my unit.

Cheers George