Just got a new power amp

Looking at the specs for your amp, I'd surmise you're going to have 6 dB higher gain on the balanced input. You might not need that gain, but you could also think of it as 6 dB better s/n ratio.

Using the balanced amplifier inputs also gives it a higher input impedance. That might be a friendlier load for your streamer.

If PS audio recommend balance then that’s the way to go.

Go ahead and try out a pair of XLR's and see what you think.  Used cable or Crutchfield will allow for returns so I would not hesitate to go that route

You will get a volume boost... but the only thing that probably means is that you will generally move the volume button one twentieth of an inch less clockwise on your preamp.

Most likely the quality of the wire will make a much bigger difference than then connection type. 

But it can make a difference because  component manufacturers do a better job of internally converting from the topology of the component to the opposite output. 

For instance, I have Audio Research Equipment. It is of balanced design and that is what is recommended. However, it is very good equipment, so they spent a lot of time making sure the single ended connections were good. So, when I compared the same brand and tier of interconnect, I could hear no difference between single ended and balanced. I spent some time doing this. But I did not spend a couple week intervals with one, then the other... maybe then I would have detected a difference. I am sure Audio Research spent a lot of time make sure they sounded the same. 

So, of course, you have to try to find out. You have different components. But you must compare using the same brand and model of interconnect. 

An additional advantage to balanced cables is that it avoids ground loop hum that you can get with RCA’s, especially troublesome at times when connecting your streamers to routers.

I had an s300.  The longer it stays on and playing the better it sounds.  

If there is an audible difference, something is defective.

theoretically balanced cables are for long runs typically found in professional environments in order to reduce noise that could be picked up. Home audio is short runs, and a cleaner environment.

I preferred mine with XLR and the amp was not defective...I was lucky to have identical cables in house in both RCA and XLR, so no ulterior motives to choose one...difference was relatively small...

I think two things are going on.  First, Paul McGowen at PS Audio has always been a fan of using balanced cabling over single ended. Second, and probably the most important reason, is that the S300 is a fully balanced design.  If you use RCA's, then the input has to be converted to a balanced signal first.  Thus adding another layer to the circuit.  

I currently have a S300 amp with the PS Audio Gain Cell preamp in a secondary system.  When I got those two pieces, I did a comparison between using a balanced cable and RCA's (both were Audioquest Columbia's) and the balanced cable did sound better.  Not by much, but it is tighter in the treble and midrange driving my Martin Logan electrostatics.

- Jeff

When single ended rca is compared to balanced XLR, how many people are actually taking voltage measurements to level match each one?

I would guess that most either don't try and match it or do it by ear.  When I tested it, I used a SPL meter and a white noise test tone.  Not exact, but very, very close.

PS Audio S300 is not fully balanced. "Bridged" output might suggest that, but it isn't a bridge of two amps but 4 Mosfet bridge to flip speaker direction between V+ and GND, since output is single voltage supplied.  Some class D modules, like Hypex, use dual +/- supply and only 2 output Mosfets.  S300 is based on 300AS1 Icepower module, almost identical to 200ASC (in my Rowland 102), but  with stronger output Mosfets.  Both my amps Benchmark AHB2 and Rowland 102  don't have RCA inputs.  

The most important thing is what you can hear.  Some features of XLR, like higher noise rejection or locking connectors with female input side (pins recessed - not exposed) might be very important in a large studio - not so much at home.

PS: Both speaker terminals have about 30V DC (half of supply) on them - do not short  either to GND.

 

kijanki

PS Audio S300 is not fully balanced ...

You might want to check the specs of the amplifier here. They certainly reflect those of a balanced amp.

@cleeds   I don't see anything in specs showing fully balanced operation.  

Look at page 5, Fig 1  300AS1 datasheet  showing block diagram.  After balanced input, there is only one path (one amplifier).

https://shop.icepoweraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ICEpower300AS1_Datasheet_2_2.pdf

kijanki

I don't see anything in specs showing fully balanced operation.  

Look here. Big clue:

Input impedance 

Unbalanced 50KΩ
Balanced 100KΩ

After balanced input, there is only one path (one amplifier).

So? You seem to not understand how a balanced amp works.

This amp looks like it's differentially balanced, a perfectly valid approach. This is taken from the data sheet you provided:

Input Stage
The balanced input section provides signal buffering and anti-aliasing filtering. The balanced configuration helps to avoid hum and noise pick- up from poorly shielded cables. An unbalanced input can be obtained by applying a short circuit
between Signal In- and Signal GND ...

Output Stage
The output stage is a full bridge topology with a 2nd order filter, thus the power output on the terminals Vo+ and Vo- is balanced ...
Warning: The balanced speaker outputs are both “hot”  (emphasis added)