I run an all balanced system. I connect the balanced output of the Rossini to the balanced input of my Accuphase preamp. There appears to be a phase mismatch however. dCS factory set Pin 2 of the XLR connectors as ‘hot’ (+ve) with Pin 3 (-ve), whilst Accuphase factory set the opposite ie Pin 3 of the connectors is designated as ‘hot’ (+ve) and Pin 2 (-ve). In both cases Pin 1 is ground.
The Accuphase pre does allow for the balanced polarity to be changed so in practice I can match the dCS and Accuphase polarities. I just wonder if it is just Accuphase that is out of line with the ‘balanced’ norm and if it really matters if units are connected together with differing balanced phase polarities ??