I put the DEQ2496 equalizer upstream of the DXC and the digital output of the DEQ, formatted as AES/EBU, drives the DCX. The DEQ can perform SP/DIF to AES/EBU conversion: the input to the DEQ can be SP/DIF and the output can drive AES/EBU.

I bought some cables from Cables To Go. The negative leg of the balanced output is grounded, which essentially renders the output of the Behringer to single-ended operation. The DCX automatically adjusts the output span for the positive XLR leg as appropriate in this configuration.

I purchased a Roland M1000 to act as a pre-amp. It's actually a digital mixer, but it up-samples all inputs to 24-bits, including the CD player and the USB. So, I don't loose resolution when I attenuate the volume from a 16-bit source. So, my chain is PC or CD deck -> Roland M1000 -> DEQ2495 -> DCX2496 -> M200s. Since I have my whole CD collection ripped lossless .APE format, I can use Foobar to stream 24-bit, full-resolution songs in a playlists to my hi-fi.

The Roland supports a balanced/unbalanced analog input plus five digital inputs. That's enough for me. I actually don't have any analog inputs any more, but if I wanted to use a turntable, for instance, I could take the phono amp output right into the M1000 analog input.

I couldn't agree more. Balanced inputs would be a real boon. Plus, true balanced inputs would allow much more flexibility for amp placement. For example, the amp could be located closer to the speaker, if desired.