I'll argue the "better or worse" aspect of balanced vs. unbalanced.
of course, when talking about a cable that is plugging into a condenser mic, balanced is the only option.
but all things being equal, is an unbalanced signal of lesser quality than a balanced one ? I'll say no. I dont care what some white paper may say, but I can't hear anything. Many very high end amplifiers/preamps/DACs are unbalanced, and if there was a major difference in the signal I dont think that would be. especially when you are talking several thousand dollars for a piece of gear. If it was better, it would be there.
exceptions. BAT gear. all balanced.
on the flip side, MANLEY gear...even their studio reference stuff, unbalanced.