XLR and RCA interconnects in the same system?

"Actually balanced is just a buzzword used to sell stuff. it has NO value over RCA at all for any system except the fully balanced from beginning to end electronics."

Yes it does have value over RCA. It suppresses noise much better, prevents disconnect, prevents touching live wire.

I agree with Kal that benefits of XLR are independent of benefits of system being completely balanced.

Elizabeth - you can compare only equivalent XLR to RCA. It might not make any difference in your system if you don't have ground loops or noisy environment but I like to think about it as a form of insurance against possible problems. I use short runs of one of the best neutral sounding XLR cables hoping not to ever change it. I don't see any reason not to use XLR since my DAC and power amp accept it while the price difference is minimal.

In addition my Rowland 102 amp has only XLR inputs. This seems to be the latest direction Mr. Rowland goes since his latest expensive class AB model 625 power amp has also only XLR inputs. Obviously he sees benefit of it and I trust him completely.