Just a sidebar on XLR outputs -- there is nothing special about the audio that comes through an XLR output, the advantage of the XLR connection is entirely revelaed in long cable runs. In fact you can have fifty feet of cable with XLR connections at each end and still use an XLR to RCA or even mini-jack convertor at the end with no loss of effect. So though XLR connections may be convenient if you already own the relevant cables, worst case you simply buy the appropriate connectors to make your current cabling work ... and if the cable run is under five feet, you aren't going to have problems anyway. Because the XLR connector delivers three wire balanced audio you gain that protection over the length of the three wire cable; two wire cable still delivers the same audio, but is prone to interference over long runs.
XLR connectors are used in a professional environment where long cables are frequently used, and where locking connectors offer a degree of security -- but a shorter cable run & some caution with pulling the connectors loose will see that there is no difference between 'XLR' audio and 'regular' audio.
Cheers,
Geoff
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