Using XLR for Phono out

Am I missing something here? Is any phono cartridge balanced? It would appear that until your signal is at a balanced architecture of the preamp or phono stage there is nothing but being single ended. To my mind balanced to balanced connection from there on out is a best bet.

Happy Listening!

Lewm, thanks for the clarification. Having a conversation once with Jim White of
Aesthetix, I recall going over this point due to the fact that he offers XLR and
RCA interconnects on virtually every possible location of his gear except the
phono input of his phono amp the Rhea. This made me wonder why anyone
would then offer it, for the same reason that we have the conversation time and
time again about the effectiveness of offering XLR inputs/outputs on equipment
that do not truly have a balanced architecture... and I'm sorry to say, no Rogers
teaching English Composition in our family. Architects, industrial designer,
carpenters, a watchmaker, gunsmith... crafty folks but, few scholars.

Spaninc, I would say yes on the XLR from phono to pre!

Happy Listening!

Am I missing something here, still? What pray tell, is the use of putting a balanced (xtr) connector on the end of a cable from a cartridge/tonearm when in fact the signal coming from it is single ended (rca) in every case? Is not this a wasted effort?

Happy Holidays & Listening!

Wow, Thanks again Ralph for a more complete explanation and understanding. I
must have had my recollection of my conversation with Jim White confused
somehow and that explains what Lewm was trying to tell me which I misread .
Sorry folks for the added distortion, I still have a few things to learn.

Happy Holidays Ralph and AudioGon Friends and as always...
Happy Listening!