Here we go again. That is mistaken. He doesn’t need an XLR cable at all for balanced operation in his system:
cleeds
... you can use either the RCA or XLR connectors on the Teac PE 505’s inputs and get the same result.
There is nothing "magic" about an XLR connector.
Oh, if you want magic you are on the wrong forum, try https://www.themagiciansforum.com
On the other hand here are the experiences of some real Teac PE-505 users re the XLR inputs vs the RCA inputs with moving coils -
Regarding the fully balanced operation for MC only, that is my understanding too. But for me it is a non issue since I am using it with a LOMC via balanced connection. Since my TT has single ended RCA outputs but the ground is isolated, I fabricated a custom RCA to XLR cable using Neutrik connectors & Mogami cable. I configured the cable as recommended in the user manual namely true fully balanced. I did it DIY because I could not find any commercially made where I could confirm it was configured properly; most have the XLR ground pin connected to the RCA negative pin. The difference in noise floor is not night and day but it is significant enough that I prefer RCA-XLR isolated way more than with RCA-RCA; it is just that much more quieter.
I finally got around to trying the XLR balanced inputs. Wow. I had to do some soldering but the pin outs are in the manual. Oh my does this ever eliminate noise.
cc @audiocanada