Is no XLR out on ultra a dealbreaker for using amps with xlr in option?

[jed1]

Absense of XLR is absolutely not a dealbreaker for me... And pretty logical at the price point. I believe people who are so heavily invested in their audio gear that they need balanced interconnects over a distance of less than a meter, will probably use an external high-end DAC anyways.

Agree. This morning I tried Pro Plus line out to feed my active speakers. After listening one of my favorite tracks, I regret that I did this experiment, and I switched back to the external balanced DAC. It is all up to individual preference, though. I am sure Ultra may give some uplift in sound quality from Pro Plus. But, I don't expect Ultra to outperform any latest generation DACs > $150 - we will see (or hear).