Cable upgrades

Thought I'd chime in here, James. First, although it is usually VERY important to reasonably match lengths of speaker cables, there is almost no legitimacy to matching lengths of well-designed interconnects...especially noise-limiting balanced ones. Think about it. Balanced ICs are used for micing at very long lengths...and rarely equal lengths, given asymmetric recording geometries.

So, if you're contemplating true solid Ag XLRs, for example (disclaimer: I am ArgentPur.audio), I would COMPLETELY countenance making an asymmetrical pair for you in order to save considerable expense. Indeed, I've used a balanced 3M+6M XLR pre-to-power duo for decades...NEVER needing to rebalance gain etc. But DO keep your speaker cables equal unless you have oversized cables linking to VERY high sensitivity and high impedance speakers that can mask the imbalance sonically. But this much harder to accomplish....

Thanks @subaruguru for the informative post. I really appreciate your knowledge and expertise.

I ended up with symmetrical lengths of ICs, due to the addition of a preamp, and the subsequent repositioning of the components in my system. So I’m all set, for now.

Best, JAMES

Just skimming through some of the posts and wanted to toss out a recommendation if you are ever bored and want to try something different.  I'm using the Analysis Plus Silver Apex XLRs in my system and they are EXACTLY what you described in your post that started this thread.  Much more so than the Cardas Clear Reflection, which I also played with in my system.  The Silver Apex add space and detail without being etched.  If you have a chance to demo them, go for it.

Thanks @badgerdms for the recommendation. Will add them to my list.

I've noted a similar improvement to soundstage/detail by moving to the AQ Diamond USB cable between streamer and DAC, and I’m also demoing the Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8, which I believe is also silver-based.

Best, JAMES 

Subaruguru we’ll comeback .Where have you been?