Interconnects/DAC

[RS4]

Morning Gents,

This has NOTHING to do with cable pricing, make, size or shape!

Someone please expain to me the difference between an unbalanced and balanced interconnect? I know balanced is 'better' but why?
Also, what is the purpose of a DAC?

Thanks

 

[AV]

 

[georgev]

 

[Byrd2]