Interconnects be as neutral as possible?

Like Carl says, EVERY cable or component will impart its own sonic signature. The tricky part is that each component / system will respond differently to the impedance changes that take place when you swap a cable of any type. This is unavoidable. Since cables WILL affect the sound, you might as well consider them as a component of the system like any other piece that the signal passes through. Since no cable or piece of electronics is truly neutral, you might as well mix components and cables to achieve the sonic results that your looking for. Keep in mind that each interface ( component 1 via cable to component 2) may act differently than in another part of the system ( component 2 via same cable to component 3). It is therefore not uncommon for a finely tuned sytem to make use of several different types of interconnect cabling between the various components. You can balance out the sounds of each source via different cabling between the source and the preamp. After all, why should the same source recording sound measurably different when going from CD to cassette to vinyl to tuner ? It shouldn't if all of the components are up to the task. Once you've achieved a good balance from source to source, you can then "juggle" the entire system by playing with the cables between both the pre and power amp and along with the cables between the amp and speakers. This approach is called "voicing" a system. This paints one consistent picture, regardless of what source you choose. Keep in mind that there is NO best or worst cables. Some may work wonders in a specific system and sound like hell in another. It's strictly a matter of trial and error and what works best to your ears in your system. Good luck and don't overlook many of the excellent DIY approaches to wire and cables. Sean