HIFI-2 - Zone Line Level out over Cat5e 300'

[myyaz33]

I am wanting to use one of the variable line outputs (1,8,9,16) for a zone in my shop which is around 300ft away. I have all sorts of copper cable buried between house and shop (cat5e, cat6, RG6 coax, shielded and unshielded). I bought some cheap baluns to try, but the results have been pretty disappointing. The audio does make it but it is weak and has static/hum. Don't want to damage the HIFI-2 and have been doing a little research to try and improve the situation. So far, coming up short and a bit more confused.

1. Is the line out of the HIFI-2 considered Balanced or Unbalanced?
2. Do I need some sort of ground loop isolator for the static/hum?
3. Would an inline line level amp fix the volume level issue?

I am not much of an audio expert, so hoping someone can help me out. Here is the cheap balun I purchased.

 

[McKinneySmart]

I have been using L/R audio part of the Russound Composite A/V Balun for years with no problem. It is "Powered".
My distance is only approx 100ft.

 

[myyaz33]

I have have not had time to play with this yet, but I am thinking something like this that is powered might give me better results. Hope to in the next few days. Thanks for chiming in.