I know what the original poster is referring to although I would describe it a bit differently. Single ended (unbalanced) systems sound softer, rounder, lower-res, and therefore friendlier. That can translate to being "more musical" in some cases if running those same components in balanced mode is too revealing of limitations of the equipment's parts quality, circuit quality, etc...
I have purposely run some more affordable solid state systems unbalanced even though they are truly differential circuits with XLR connectivity because I wanted to tame brightness, grain or harshness. But with our very best vacuum tube gear, running balanced reveals more detail, a lower noise floor, better dynamic contrast and yes, more musicality with no downside.
I have purposely run some more affordable solid state systems unbalanced even though they are truly differential circuits with XLR connectivity because I wanted to tame brightness, grain or harshness. But with our very best vacuum tube gear, running balanced reveals more detail, a lower noise floor, better dynamic contrast and yes, more musicality with no downside.