Hegel H80 Balanced vs Unbalanced Inputs

Thanks for the insight. So while they state they are 'true balanced' inputs that only goes as far as the inputs. So I am assuming I would gain *something* by using a truly balanced source. Question is how much and weighing that against other factors.

I am down to two DAC's - Schiit Gungnir Multibit "Gumby" (balanced design) or an Audio-GD DAC-19 10th anniversary (R2R single ended). From what I have read some people feel that Gumby in Balanced out is about equal to the DAC-19 but falls behind when used SE. DAC-19 is $400 cheaper and while very very well built, it isn't as easily upgradeable like the Gumby, nor US based. Decisions, decisions .... 

nquery - FWIW, I'm running a Hegel H200 with XLR connections (AQ Columbia) from a Schitt Gungnir.  I think the sound is sweeter and clearer than it was using RCAs (Morrow Audio MA4s, as I recall).  

Ok thanks! I am guessing that you didn't notice any difference in soundstage. The only other concrete report of XLR/RCA comparisons for Hegels that I have seen said that the soundstage "exploded" with balanced out of his Oppo, even when adjusted for volume gain.

I have asked Hegel to confirm (though they are bad about responding to emails), but based on their separate pre-amps/amps, their design methods across various products, and their use of "true" when describing the balanced inputs ... my best guess is that the pre-amp section of the H80 (and H160) is electronically balanced, but the amp section is obviously not balanced/differential.

n - I'd be lying to you if I said, "absolutely YES" about the soundstage.  BUT along with the greater clarity, both imaging and soundstage depth might well be a little more evident...imaging for certain.  Whatever the contributing factors, musicality took a step forward for me.  I always used to wonder what people meant when they said, "musicality".  What it is to me in this context is a an increased listenability - a greater ease in the presentation.  I ain't going back to single-ended in any case.  If it is just placebo, what's so bad about that?  It's all about what happens between your ears anyway!

Schiit does have a return policy (you will get bit for restocking and return freight)  so you could order, compare XLR and RCA outputs, if you don't hear a difference send it back and get the Audio GD.  Shouldn't matter if the Gungnir is not fully broken in in terms of hearing a difference between SE & balanced (or so I think).  Good luck with your decision.