I did the Integra DTC-9.8 pre/pro because it had most of the features I wanted along with balanced XLR connections. No, I don't think this affected the sound quality with such short runs, but I do like that they click in and pull out nice and easy, as opposed to so many RCA connections which can take a worrying amount of exertion to separate. It really would have been a lot more cost-effective to buy a receiver, but I don't mind paying for the coolness factor now and again. I'm still very interested in seeing what Axiom comes out with.