Best path to test different interconnects?

I would agree with the previous responses. Swap cables in and out from your digital or analog source to most readily identify the sonic characteristics of each cable. Once you believe you have a handle on the sound of each cable, place it in the system where you plan to use it long term to verify or nullify the result.

One thing... in my recent experience, cables DO have an intrinsic sonic signature. Their "flavor" is their flavor.

Cable shoot-outs are interesting and fun.

Enjoy the esperience.

Fly...
It's pretty simple if you're not alone.
Tell your friend to swap cables while you're blind-folded and listen to the same selected by you passage(s).

so i should be swapping cables from the cdp to the amp? i think it would be hard if it takes days to hear a difference. i was thinking of trying some blue heavens to hear a difference in my copper ic and silver. i guess that would open a whole new can huh? thanks again kevin

it does not take days to hear a difference but it may take days or weeks to hear all of the differences - and that would only apply to your system. I have heard great differences in wire from system to system. You may plug the wire in and hear the main differences right off the bat but give it time anyway, it is the nature of this 'hobby' to hear weaknesses and want to improve them so listen til you identify them and decide if you can live with them easier than your other cable.

It is extremely frustrating because cables really do have an impact, and there's no guarantee that someone else's experience will hold up in your system.

I've had good experiences trying to find others with similar gear and listening tastes and finding out what they've had success with. A lot cheaper to build on other people's experience first, then narrow down the list of alternatives to a set you can listen to yourself.

Once in a while I get caught up in the enthusiasm about a wire, only to find that it works very differently in my system. Cable lending, audio clubs, and the cable company might also be good resources. Do your research first, and I think you'll find something you like. Don't just assume that what you have is pretty good without trying some alternatives.

Hope this helps!