I didn't read every post, but none the first ~20 mentioned that many components that have XLR I/Os do not have true balanced circuits, which is a big reason why people do not hear a difference. IMHO, hi-end should only be used when the components are true/differentially balanced
Disservice: XLR interconnects
I ended up shelling out some serious bucks and buying Cardas XLR interconnects and connected them between the Luxman C900U, M10X and the hifi Rose RS150B. I am blown away, at the details and just how it bumped up the sensation of just the beautiful musicality..
I have to say, I am no longer in the camp of cables don't matter. In fact, I think folks who say cables do not matter are doing a great disservice to the audiophile community.