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Well ... The Lightbulb Just Went On!

After almost 20 years in this hobby, I have come to realize that the most important IC connection is from preamp to amp. Cables from source components can "color" the sound somewhat and be system dependent,  but a neutral IC from preamp to power amp appears to prevent bloat, roll off, and over-coloration, at least as far as I can tell from a number of systems I've heard. Having tried so many different IC's in the preamp/amp position over the years, I have settled on Belden 1800F for that connection, and my rig sounds excellent to me. Of course, this is my own experience, and YMMV. Sort of glad that I've gotten off of the cable merry-go-round ... for now. 
rlb61
rlb61 OP
789 posts
 
I'm saying that it can be too much of a good thing.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,011 posts
 
Well, at least you didn't go broke finding out...
rlb61 OP
789 posts
 
That fact was a pleasant, but unintentional surprise.
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
I know what you mean.I like a clean open ic from pre to amp,then a sweet slightly silky sounding ic from cdp to the pre.It just sounds 'off' if they're switched around.
When we moved into our present home I switched the cables accidentally after getting set up,fired er' up and my hubby(non audiophile) immediately asked why does it sound so weird!Uh...got the cables backwards,lol!
rlb61 OP
789 posts
 
@jtcf  ... thanks for the validation. At first, I was a bit taken aback by this discovery, but it really works for me. Glad I'm not alone on this one.
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