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probably doesn't matter

There are no balanced inputs. Therefore, the preamp is deriving a balanced output signal from its own circuitry. This most likely involves a chip or opamp to split the phase. That would essentially isolate the balanced output from the SE output. Connecting them simultaneously will have no effect.

However, there is little sonic benefit, and possibly a slight detriment due to the extra circuitry, to such an arrangement unless you use very long IC's. All you are getting is 6db of gain, which you could get just as easily by turning the volume control. The XLR connectors might be better than SE types, and some balanced cabling is higher quality. Any improvement you hear is likely your own bias influencing you, or simply the system playing louder, which is always perceived as sounding better.

Balanced operation is truly beneficial when source (CD player or DAC, phono preamp) and the rest of the signal chain are balanced. Equipment that derives a balanced signal is not necessarily better, and possibly worse, than SE.

Peace,
Tom E
berate is 8 and benign is 9

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