Balanced 1/4 jacks is a stereo shielded jack. XLR is balanced. If you have a sound card that has balanced outputs (like the echo sound cards) I suggest you buy balanced jacks. Else use the shortest cables possible.
Thierry
p.s. what is wrong with turning off when you don't use them?
Thierry
p.s. what is wrong with turning off when you don't use them?