The difference in sound would come from the components you are connecting. If both your components have internally balanced circuitry, then theoretically that may sound better than using the single ended connection. The manufacturer of my equipment recommends using XLR (Audio Research). I switched from Transparent RCA to XLR , just to be safe. I did not notice a difference, but I did not do an analytical assessment.
The issue is, if your components are not built balanced, the balanced output requires a conversion… and visa versa. It was not obvious in my components is because they are very high quality and they put a lot of effort into a neutral conversion.
XLR do sound louder (but your system cannot play louder… so not an advantage). Three conductors instead of two… hence higher cost.
The past is RCA… most companies are slowly moving towards XLR… so, probably the better way to go. Unless the saved money can help upgrade something else.
Some folks will chime in about XLR being better for long runs. But unless you have a 100’ run, it is extremely unlikely you will hear a difference..