Whats more important, source cables or amp cables?


I'd like to save some time demo'ing my own system for hours and get some experts to tell me what to do. What's most important, the cable between the source and the pre-pro, or the pre-pro and the amp(s). Does it make more difference in the sound to place my better pair of XLRs before or after the pre. I have a small Krell system, DVD Std, HTS 7.1, and 2250/3250 KAVs. I asked Krell and he told me they are both important, but that didn't really help since finding another pair of Crecendos is easier said than done. I have one pair, and 2 pair of Serenades, which don't suck, but from what I've read, aren't near as good as the Crecendos.

Any help or explanations would be beneficial at this point. Thanks AGers
mbarnes928
Hope your ready for a slew of different answers. IME in two different Mcintosh systems with a least 3 different CDPs the pre to amp made the most improvement when using the better IC between the two. It is contrary to logic as one would think the source is the start of the chain and most vulnerable to IC changes. All I can conclude is that a source is a stronger signal than the preamp signal which is at a lower variable signal. If running at very high or full gain maybe it would be a different outcome, but who would want to.
Anywhere you loose the information you have a problem.A prime example of your only as good as your weakest link.
This is really system dependent and there is no true answer to your question. You really have to try for your self. You may even find that you hear no difference at all
I just finished trying out a number of xlr cables, swapping them out between equipment as you want to do. I found that the cables between the pre and the amp affected the sound more then the ones between source and pre.
This is probably because they are the last in the chain.
Don't know if this is any help or not.