The mechanical design of pro audio balanced cables is poor and it's common to end up with a bad one in the field. A balanced amplifier with one input connected

The mechanical design of pro audio balanced cables is poor and it's common to end up with a bad one in the field. A balanced amplifier with one input connected to a long unterminated wire is way worse than a single-ended cable would be under the same conditions. Even in consumer home use XLR cable ends will fail. We're stuck with it unfortunately unless you want full custom gear.