Opinions

what do you consider a higher quality set of interconnects ?

Transparent Audio Super mm2 XLR on one end to Transparent  Audio Referance mm2 which is a couple product lines higher in the TA line.

I would first put a good power cord on the preamp and see what happens.

I have Transparent Premium cords on preamp, power amp, Bluesound Vault, DAC and Equi-1800 power Conditioner along with hospital grade 20A receptacles and a dedicated circuit.

So many great cables out there. Both from the industry mainstays as well as boutique makers. My recent experiences indicate that the actual sonic supremacy of the former has narrowed as the latter has improved at a higher rate (in some cases) over the past few years and often (but not always) sell at a lower cost.

However, a great cable is a great cable and the big boys’ $$ cables can be lifetime investments. At least they are in some positions in my system as I experiment with some newer brands in other positions with good success.

I am getting comfortable that extreme spending is not required anymore except in the most demanding equipment/listener situations. NOT to say that the entry level stuff is sufficient for most audiophiles with higher-resolving systems and a discerning ear, only that intelligently-selected moderately-priced offerings from the relative newcomers can be very close to the best (and most costly).

Dave