Is there a difference in balanced cables??

Baffled,

You are asking about one of the great debates in audio. In this regard, my thought is that all the same differences in the various brands of single-ended (RCA) cables also apply to the different brands of balanced (XLR) cables.

These differences may stem from anything from different materials, to different geometry, to different "skin" or "dielectric" effect (contributing to potential differences in capacitance, resistance or inductance) to different connectors to . . . yes . . . different hearing acuity and sonic preferences.

With interconnects, I'd have to say that anyone in this day and age who actually claims there is NO sonic difference between any interconnects may not have the hearing or system to differentiate that difference.

Although it may be intially helpful to read about any of our relative opinions on the differences in various cables, due to the huge amount of variables in our audio systems (ranging for example from the room, to the associated gear to the AC power, to our sonic preferences and priorities), in the end, the best method is for you to try and listen to as many different cables as you can and then make up your own mind if a certain cable fits your needs and budget.

Baffled,

You say "I have to believe the difference is subtle. Especially to my untrained ears. . . "

Yes and no. Here is the REAL problem so maybe you can get out of this crazy hobby while you still have any savings: The more you get into this hobby and listen both for enjoyment and critically, it is likely the better trained your ears will get - just like someone who just starts drinking coffee or wine or beer and thinks it all tastes the same at first. However, the more they drink (hopefully not ALL at once), the more refined their sense of taste gets and the easier it becomes to differentiate bewteen the various coffees or wines.

So, right now you may think the differences are subtle, but the better your ears get, the easier you will be able to discern and appreciate the differences (then you will be poor).

So get out while you can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trust me, the DON'T want to end up wacked out like me!!