If you never want to use "Preamp Out" or "Main In", you might consider hardwiring between them inside the chassis. If the rest of your system is up to it, or becomes so with time and changes, that should definitely improve the sound.
Where the better IC should go is controversial, but you needn't depend on theory: try it both (all) ways and trust your ears. I think MOST experts would want the best IC to go from preamp to power amp, but maybe it's evenly divided.
Where the better IC should go is controversial, but you needn't depend on theory: try it both (all) ways and trust your ears. I think MOST experts would want the best IC to go from preamp to power amp, but maybe it's evenly divided.