Interconnect priority

I think it depends on the gear. I found my preamp and amp on 2 systems are less dependent on the XLR. In both systems I use 15-foot and 25-foot Benchmark XLR. For my sources. I use Audience AU24 SE XLR and RCA. I can hear a difference there.

My experience is consistent with the source first approach. It is annoying to hear these differences, especially with loaned cables, because once I hear it, I want it all the time. It is just $$$.

DAC to preamp, then preamp to amp