IC upgrade advice - Lost


Looking for advice on upgrading my current Audioquest Sidewinder IC's. They will be used in between a Cary SLI-80 F1 and a Cambridge Audio 840C. Speakers are Merlin TSM-MMe.

I'm not looking to break the bank. Probably $200 max on the used market. These AQ IC's are the only pair that I have ever used so I have no idea what to expect with switching out IC's.

Looking for guidance. Cheers!
nicodemix
Nicodeix,
You have to remember that what sounds good to other people in their system,might me completely unacceptable to you in your system.It seems you are interested in the Kimber Hero,grab a pair and try them.If they don't work for you,sell them and move on to something else.Just a thought.