Best place to insert a new higher end cable in my system?


Hello. I picked up a good deal in a Audioquest Water 1.5m cable. It’s the most expensive one in my system. I have mostly other AQ cables such as Mackenzie, Sydney, a Columbia and an old school AQ cable going from my amp to preamp that sounds pretty good. Components include amp, preamp, phono preamp, server, streamer and universal player. I have a Cardas Blue Heaven phono connect going to my phono preamp but on occasion use a step up transformer former and use an old school Musical Concepts super connect II .5 meter from the SUT to the phono preamp. Where will I get the best performance from this Water IC? Thanks for your consideration and feedback.

Ag insider logo xs@2xbfoura

Thanks to everyone for your feedback. I will certainly start from my source to my preamp and go from there. I had done searches before on best type of IC to use from your amp and couldn’t find anything conclusive but from this thread it appears, in most cases, the best IC to use, is the best one you have. Looking forward to giving it a shot. 

@bfoura Its a fairly easy listening test to try in reverse.  Put your worst cable first at your source, and your best cable between your preamp < > amplifier. Try it for a week, then swap.  See if you notice an improved sound with the best cable first.  Its a test some of us do comparing OFC to OCC copper or silver over copper ICs. The swaps and results are much more noticeable on well matched systems.   

 

 

I've had more impact pre to amp, but let's not pee on each other's shoes. Try both!

I would suggest moving up from AQ though.

Audio is fun!😁