balanced/xlr vs. unbalanced/ single ended

Physics and gain and noise level difference aside I find that single end provides a more linear, fluid, laid back vs the more open and aggressive, open and in your face sound XLR cables do.
WHen Properly grounded and RCA connectors locked I think they give a superior musicality to the overall sound.
Just my very subjective observations.

I'm using a Meridian 861 and I too found a noticeable improvement with balanced cables over single ended.

If you really want to take advantage of balanced line operation, consider shortening you speaker cables (as short as you can make them) and then run long balanced interconnects.

If your setup in fact properly supports balanced line operation, the length and quality of the cables will have little bearing on the sound. The balanced line system was in fact created for eliminating interconnect cable problems and differences, as every audiophile can (knowingly or not) attest too: all recordings incorporate their use.

unfortunatley my cable length in this HT are givens, but I do agree that short length speaker cables are the way to go if possible. Anyway, I have chosen the balanced approach in both my HT and 2 channel and couldn't be happier.
Happy Listening!!!

Audio Research LS25 MKII preamp to Audio Research VT200 or D400 MKII power amps sounds significantly/dramaticly better connected with balanced/xlr cables vs. unbalanced/RCA.