2. cables
  3. 190598-189245

Interconnects priority

Greetings!

I am mulling over my interconnects and one question I have is, which interconnect is the most  important, if any, in the chain.

My setup is a Rega P8 with a Hana SL LOMC cart, into a Moon 310 LP / 320S phono stage, onto a PrimaLuna EVO 400 preamp and finally into a McIntosh MC312 power amp.

I am contemplating which interconnect (using XLR in my case) is the most critical to the sound/signal path, the one from the phono stage to the preamp or from the preamp to the power amp?

Or, looking it from another practical budget perspective, if I have a total of of $1,000 to spend is it clear that I should spend $500 on each XLR pair, or should I “overweight” my spend on one set because it’s the more “important” interconnect from a sound quality perspective.

(Of course assuming the interconnects are of equal length so that’s not a factor.)

Would love to hear this knowledgeable group’s thoughts on this - thanks!

bimmerlover

Showing 4 responses by sls883

sls883
708 posts
 

I've been swapping out cables between my dac and preamp trying to find the best fit. I've also got a couple of cables on order. 

I had a pure silver cable between my amp and preamp that I think is pretty good. On a whim, I replaced it tonight with a different cable and I'm liking the results.  I had it in my head that amp to preamp was less important, but I think both source to pre and pre to amp are important. 

 

sls883
708 posts
 

I ordered a DH Labs Air Matrix ic and received it today. I installed it between my dac and preamp. I'm using a Harmonic Technology RecTa oc between my amp and preamp.  I'm using a Inakustik Referenz USB between my streamer and dac.  After messing around with various cables including pure silver cables, I think I've found a winning combination. 

I've got to do something with the pile of cables that I've accumulated.  Lol. 

sls883
708 posts
 

@ghdprentice

It's funny that you mention that. I've had the Harmonic Technology cable for a while. It was recommended by a rep with The Cable Company. I tried it with my previous gear and didn't care for it.  It's been sitting in a box.  On a whim, I got it out last night and tried it. 

I thought silver cables were the ticket, but they had an edginess that was annoying.  The current combination has detail, soundstage width and depth without the harshness.

I've got two Synergistic Research cables, XLO, Nordost, Core Power, and other misc cables in a box. Lol

My speakers cables are Fidelium by Silversmith Audio. I'm not a big spender on cakes, but after auditioning them, I chose to keep them. I had been using Synergistic Research cables. 

sls883
708 posts
 

Cables, not cakes. 

I don't spend a lot on them, either.  Lol. 

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