That's tricky. The best way might be to try different cables on a trial basis in your own system. Local dealers will sometimes do that -- and you can get their take on the signatures and perhaps even listen to them in their systems. There are many cable dealers who will also do that.
Further, if you check the threads here, there are many reviews on cables and people sharing their experience with cables.
Personally, I usually start with either the cable between phono preamp and preamp or between DAC and preamp. If I like it, I'll try other like cables in the rest of the system. Unfortunately, I've found that this leads to uneven results. Sometimes, I'll really like an interconnect, but I don't like the speaker cable from the same company. Also, I might like an interconnect from company A between DAC and preamp, but the digital cable from company B between transport and DAC.
Is this supposed to be easy? If so, I've not found the answer and look forward to other responses.
I do think it would be useful to get a "cable signature" portion of the forum where it would be easy to sort and search opinions and experiences on cables. The search I recommended above is a very time consuming endeavor. Audiogon, are you listening?? Of course, even that is tough since different types of equipment yield different results.
Further, if you check the threads here, there are many reviews on cables and people sharing their experience with cables.
Personally, I usually start with either the cable between phono preamp and preamp or between DAC and preamp. If I like it, I'll try other like cables in the rest of the system. Unfortunately, I've found that this leads to uneven results. Sometimes, I'll really like an interconnect, but I don't like the speaker cable from the same company. Also, I might like an interconnect from company A between DAC and preamp, but the digital cable from company B between transport and DAC.
Is this supposed to be easy? If so, I've not found the answer and look forward to other responses.
I do think it would be useful to get a "cable signature" portion of the forum where it would be easy to sort and search opinions and experiences on cables. The search I recommended above is a very time consuming endeavor. Audiogon, are you listening?? Of course, even that is tough since different types of equipment yield different results.