Is it better to have the phono stage close to the TT with shorter ic's between the table, or the other way around, or does it matter? I would think the shorter the ic between tt and phono stage would be the better.
Correct, shorter is better, especially on the phono. On MC it is even more important. I have tried short and long with a ARC PH3SE and can always tell the difference.
I used to try and keep phono cable as short as possible (0,5m being sufficient in my system), I was surprised though to find a number of reputable manufacturers offer 1,25m as standard length. At the moment, I am awaiting delivery of a Synergistic Research Tricon for auditioning, Ted Denney actually advised me not to go shorter than 1m with this cable.
ALthough shorter is better in most ways, there are also reflection and resonance issues that can factor in. This is why some people recommend 1.5m. If you can run your tonearm wires without a break from cartridge to preamp, that is best.
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