For me, the balanced out will be an advantage. I use a tri-amped system and the electronic xover (which would is driven by the pre/pro) has balanced inputs. At the moment, I use a cable and short the - in of the channel. I would have preferred an unbalanced input for the xover, but I liked the unit otherwise, so I built the cables. I'll probably get a 990 and use the balanced outputs. My 2 cents...