I recall Art doing a couple accounts on Nordost wires. For a time or still he also used Nirvana SX's. One of his reviews was on the Heimdahl cables which he said were quite close to the Vallhalla. Each instance the cables used all over were the same models. IC & sc.
ON sc IN GENERAL, I FEEL THAT LINK PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT.
From what I've found so far, one can step down a level (once well into the line) from the source IC to the main IC. The SC link seems best put if it is either the same as either of the other two ICs or one as congruent. In any case being as neutral there as you can get is the deal.
the whole issue of wires, whereever they are applied is always a contentious affair. Reviewers, by and large, account for IMO, fantastic systems. rigs outfitted with stuff the largest percentage of us will never see in our homes. hearing these accounts leaves us then still pondering questions like this one. our answer too seems imbedded in the prospect of doing the best you can with what you have to do it with, and all the while as to your own preferences.
I'm not a real big fan of Nordost generally speaking, so I would submit contacting a Nordost dealer who has had the line for some time will gain more insight for you and your situation.