On simlar length runs with same type of cable, XLR just sounds more dynamic and more refined than RCA. Yes, I have taken into consideration that a XLR connection will sound louder and had adjusted volume control to compensate.
This I have tried on equipment with dual RCA / XLR inputs and outputs (Denon AVP-A1HD sound processor, Bel Canto DAC3.5VB MKII, Bel Canto REF1000MKII).
This is the reason why Ayre amplification has only XLR connections. When you had tried both, you would only want to use XLR.
(Audio)
This I have tried on equipment with dual RCA / XLR inputs and outputs (Denon AVP-A1HD sound processor, Bel Canto DAC3.5VB MKII, Bel Canto REF1000MKII).
This is the reason why Ayre amplification has only XLR connections. When you had tried both, you would only want to use XLR.
(Audio)