were should best cable go - CD or Preamp?

There is an "art" to selecting what cable goes where. This is part of what is known as "voicing" a system. This can take a lot of trial and error and requires the availability of several different cables, but will provide far more consistent performance within the system. This is especially true if you have multiple sources. Otherwise, each source sounds so different from the other that the system lacks synergy and cohesiveness.

If you only have two interconnects within your system and two or three cables to choose from, your job is a lot easier. Try them all in various positions and then rotate them. Put two into the system and listen for a period of time ( a few days at least ). Then swap them and see which combo you like better. Take notes along the way and try to listen to discs that you are familiar with. Sean
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i agree with Tim. the source interconnect is most critical since the signal here is still "pure". the preamp will "attenuate" the signal and slightly degrade (not universal agreement on this point) the signal and typically the output circut of the preamp is stronger than than your source and better able to drive a less transparent interconnect.

if you really want to see this effect compare phono cables, where everything is magnified by the delicate nature of the weak signal. after the phono stage amplifies and equalizes the signal it is more robust and less affected by cable.

as the signal travels thru your system it does not improve; so the longer it is better the less you lose. these effects are typically slight but none the less real.

like the previous poster said, if the info is lost upstream you will not hear it downstream. use the cable that delivers the most info...easy!

Since the weakest signal is from source to pre, it might make more sense to put your best cables on that link.

KP

What constitutes the "better" cable ? Does it depend on:

A) what the cable is made out of ?

B) the geometry of the cable design ?

C) the brand that the cable is is marketed under ?

D) how much the cable costs ?

E) all of the above

OR

F) how it reacts between specific components and the rest of the system ?

Wire IS wire. It is just a matter of WHICH wire works best where. Taking things for granted (i.e. "cable A is better than cable B and should go here" ) and not experimenting may be giving you a LOT less performance and musicality out of your system than it is truly capable of.

Try experimenting with the cables that you already have, paying attention to directionality, and see what happens. You might gain and you might not. Either way, you can always go back to what you had so long as you take notes before starting.

The cost of seeing if there are any differences: no money, only time. It could turn out to be a very worthwhile tweak. At the least, you will have at least gained experience and know for sure what you like best within the confines of your specific system. Sean
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