I normally use 3.5mm - rca connect to my nw-zx300 so will it make differences if i move to the balanced output using the adaptor?

I gather that the NW-ZX300 also has a 4,4mm balanced output. This Gerika adapter however has a serious fault: three poles are electrically shorted so it can only function as an unbalanced adapter (unless Gerika have fixed the problem). This can easily be verified with any multimeter. Obviously the balanced output requires four separate electrical connections to your headphone: two cables to each "ear". To enjoy the balanced output you obviously need headphones with a balanced cable (4 poles/wires). Do not connect unbalanced headphones to a balanced output. If you fulfil those requirements, you also need a true balanced 4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter such as the "Meijunter 4.4mm (Male) to 3.5mm (Female) Balanced Cable Plug Adapter for Sony PHA-2A/iBasso/Fiio/HiFiman Headphones, Replacement Metal Cord Plug Line Jack Connector" in amazon.com. This correctly passes 4 poles from the male plug to the female socket.

Would this work to get 2.5mm balanced output from my es100 dac, for HiFiman Sundara w/ 3.5mm jack?

I believe the balanced outputs (on the DAC) are either 2.5mm or 4.4mm. Most ALSO have a 3.5mm jack. This adapter allows for use of standard 3.5mm headphones/ earbuds on 2.5mm outputs Adapters are available in most configurations. I would get an adapter for 4.4mm or 2.5mm ONLY. This particular adapter fits a 2.5mm output for 3.5mm audio connections. They won't make your 3.5mm output balanced.

Is the cable 2.5 balanced male to 3.5 balanced female or 3.5 unbalanced female?

This Geekria adapter is 2.5mm balanced male to 3.5mm balanced female.

Does this convert the output to balanced audio? Or just allow one to use balanced cables in a 3.5mm port? Is there a balanced audio benefit?

To convert 3.5 stereo to 2.5 balanced, you need your headphones to be balanced sound headphones. Balanced sound is the independent output of left and right sound sources, and stereo sound is the same decibel.

ASIN	B075FMX9T8
Best Sellers Rank	#8,754 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #181 in Headphone Adapters #3,681 in Home Audio Accessories
Brand	GEEKRIA
Color	Silver
Compatible Devices	Astell&Kern, Lotoo, Cayin, thebit, Onkyo, FiiO, iBasso, Luxury & Precision and more
Connector Type	XLR
Current Rating	1 Amps
Customer Reviews	4.4 out of 5 stars 2,437 Reviews
Finish	Gold
Item Dimensions	1.89 x 0.31 x 0.31 inches
Item Height	0.8 centimeters
Item Weight	5 Grams
Item dimensions L x W x H	1.89 x 0.31 x 0.31 inches
Manufacturer	GEEKRIA
Model Number	PJZ44-02
Number of Items	1
Number of Ports	1
Package Quantity	1
Power Plug Type	No Plug
Specific Uses For Product	Use with high quality audio devices with 2.5mm balanced output
UPC	638170766015
Unit Count	1 Count
Warranty Description	1 year manufacturer
Warranty Type	Limited

Geekria 2.5mm Male to 3.5mm (1/8'') Balanced Female Headphones Adapter for 3.5mm 4-Pole Cable Connected to Balanced 2.5mm Player Device, Aluminum Alloy Conversion Audio Plug, Gold Plated

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