I would recommend using the built in unbalanced (RCA) outputs from your DAC to connect to unbalaced inputs of your preamp instead of adding an adapter to convert balanced (XLR) output from the DAC to unbalanced input of your preamp. Always keeping your cables as short as possible. Based on my experience, you would gain in lower noise performance especially when you are running interconnect cables in length of ~30ft or longer when using balanced I/O's but the sound shouldn't improve. The improvement you heard from the balanced output is probably due to ~6dB gain balanced output in comparison to unbalanced output, IMHO.
However, if you do us XLR connections, make sure your DAC follows AES guideline (pin 2 hot, pin 3 inverted, and pin 1 ground). Thus using pin 2 from XLR output for hot on RCA input.
Ki
However, if you do us XLR connections, make sure your DAC follows AES guideline (pin 2 hot, pin 3 inverted, and pin 1 ground). Thus using pin 2 from XLR output for hot on RCA input.
Ki