Will one cable upgrade make a noticeable difference?

That's one of those questions that's impossible to predict, as the results will differ with every system.  If it makes any difference, I'd guess that it would be pretty subtle, so may take some time to notice.  The only way find out is to install them, and give them some time.  

Best answer: Only one way to find out. All others are nothing but guesses and predictions. Order the darn cables and see for yourself!!

In general,…

Yes.,, a cable upgrade is a first step wherein one would hope for some audio improvement uptick that depends on the cumulative and compounding fsctors immediately below
BUT… if you are hoping that your particular single cable upgrade alone in isolation is that reward,,, , think again, Alone, it’s highly likely to fail for any Jesus moment or “ A-ha’ moment by itself..Read on.

In more detail:

Hoping for an audio performance major uptick is not a strategy for success. Think full system effects instead:

(1) ergo, think full system audio cables synergy and its system audio performance upticks. Sure, an individual single cable upgrade a good first step in that series upgrade plan. However, It’s a sum of the parts cables alchemy comprised of ALL of interconnects, speakers, power, and ethernet cables.

(2) +1 for @knotscott @thecarpathian …your bespoke system in its cradle-to-grave totality will predicate a bespoke audio improvement.that cannot provide a predictable assurance in these response posts,

without prejudice to the foregoing, it’s your bespoke system that will dictate whether the power cord, versus IC versus speaker vs Ethernet , that may give you the greater degree of improvement.

My experiences = my take: start with a quality build power cable first IMO.Just sayin’….

This is journey of hands-on experimentations by rolling up,your sleeves, , and never a one-size- fits-all quick fix destination.

Yes the only way to know is to try. 
I’m also wondering why you are using RCA there, doesn’t Pathos have XLR in? When you try new interconnects see if you can try XLR version. 

I second audphile1's suggestion. I have a Pathos Classic One MKIII and use a solid silver balanced cable with my cd player. Made a huge difference in detail and soundstage. Also the Pathos benefited with the use of a silver plated, beefy power cord.

@audphile1 Re RCA, one of the XLR feeds went bad in my DAVE. Haven’t sent it off to repair yet.  Had been using Transparent G5 ULTRA XLR.  No noticeable difference in SQ going to RCA. (Well, there’s one answer to my question…)

@dill Thanks for you input.  I run a Transparent G5 Reference PC from my Pathos, so all good there.  

@cantorgale you’re welcome LOL

Hard call I will say that the G6 Transparent were a pretty big upgrade in general. I am using all G6... partly a fortuitous timing when I had upgraded my system. I have heard a lot of very positive responses between G5 and G6. 

But, it is always system specific. I would try to find a way to borrow one. Fortunately I am near a Transparent dealer. 

The quick answer is yes from what I have read. Also, I have read that putting the best cable from the source to the first connection is the most effective change. Other cables down the line will make changes, but not as good as the first connection from the source.

Bent

In a word, no (but neither will any other cable).

In one word,  maybe .

Latest wtf moment was when I tried a new usb cable. 

Big improvements!

When you replace the cable you must endure 400 hours of break-in time after which you then must remember what the other cable sounded like. Easy peasy.

I think you have good chance to hear a significant difference since you would have more brand synergy. The question is would you like the difference in the sound. I always take the risk and try myself. We can resell if not as hoped.

@cantorgale 

HI Cantorgale

Only today I read this question of yours. Replacing cables can be a great upgrade. The secret is to always start from the power supply, which is of fundamental importance for all HiFi/HiEnd systems. So I did and I immediately heard a big difference with a much better sound. Then one cable at a time I replaced them all and now I enjoy the music as much as possible that my system can give. It is important that all cables are of the same brand and of the same series... the synergy between them is fundamental in my opinion.

For your information, my system is as follows:

Audio Analogue Puccini Anniversary Amplifier, SME Model 10 Turntable, SME Series IV Tonearm, Sonus Faber Olympics II Speaker, Benz Micro PP1-T9 Pre-Phono, Benz Micro LP Cartridge, Lyra Titan i Cartridge (with load adjustment through 100 Ohms Audio Note resistors), Streamer/DAC Homemade with IAN CANADA parts and all cables (power, speaker, interconnect and phono from Audio Analogue Airtech series ZERO (Top). Finally, consider that for my top listens, Vinyl remains the best.

Kind regards

Alessandro

I have transparent cables and also have the power isolator. I would call customer service in maine for insight.  I found them especially helpful. Also got power cables from them as well and interconnects.

Overall it makes me feel more comfortable with what I'm listening to and reduces the need to be critical.  If you have a great system it will help things a lot better. But it does bring out recording quality differences which is annoying in its own right. 

And the farmer hauled another load away !! 

Question: Would replacing the SR with either a Transparent G5 Reference or G6 Ultra make a noticeable difference in the sound?

Likely Yes, no guarantees.

Or other suggestions? 

You have a very well balanced system.  Upgrading PCs would likely be positively noticeable, but low of diminishing returns it may not be worth it.  Maybe try/borrow a higher quality PC to try on each component.  Otherwise, the change would have to be your choice - changing the speakers or electronics.  

Another option is to add vinyl.  I have both.