Which interconnect cable to upgrade first

Thank you for giving us the update.
 

I skimmed the string again. you have great equipment, but… Long term, I think you would benefit moving to tubed equipment. I am an Audio Research fan myself… but ideally what you want (I was finally able to get there… income had much to do with it) is components that perfectly reflect the tonal balance of your tastes… then choosing completely transparent interconnects becomes the objective.  I have worked with many of my systems just like you are.  But after forty years at working at it… I finally got all high end tube equipment and they sound simply spectacular… I got rid of all the Cardas… it has a slant to warm side and always suppresses the details. Good in most systems. 
 

Maybe when you get some time go listen to a Conrad Johnson, Audio Research, VAC, or Cary tube system and see if they are not fundamentally more in line with your tastes.

[@xcool] Hey @ghdprentice I remember running the cables 24 hrs straight for 4 or 5 days from my source to my preamp. The preamp was off when I wasn’t listening.

I did like a few things about the cable between my source and preamp. Very spacious and details. I did wish I can hear a little more bass, and a bit warmer. From what I understand, the Clear Reflection is supposed to have the warmth of the typical Cardas cable with extra details from their Clear line up.

Curious about your experience with Cardas. Thanks!

@xcool > Believe it or not - most of the versions of Cardas interconnects i’ve owned or demoed in the past 30yrs sounded different, yet one factor typically remained fairly constant (Including all former Golden series and the newer hybrid Clear Reflections i tried as well). Resting in place, connected, and not touching them for at least 14+ days; Playing or not... Relaxing the tension of the dielectric inside (used or new IC cables) after being coiled up in a bag or box, matters too. It smooths out a little bit more over time. Only way to know is to try it first hand and validate it yourself. Best of luck.

Hey @ghdprentice ​​​​@decooney , thanks for the suggestions!   I've been thinking about tube preamp for some time, I might give it a try one day.    

@xcool ..." I've been thinking about tube preamp for some time, I might give it a try one day."  

There is a chance you may decide to change interconnects again if you go with a tube preamp -or- if/when you upgrade tubes later on. 

@decooney 

Probably. You want your components to perfectly reflect the sound you want, then upgrade your cables, interconnects, and power cords… tweak your audio space/ Then enjoy, until your next upgrade cycle.