@jafant thank you! Yes that cabling mix struck a good balance in my system.
As to f3, I ended up selling my Pass Labs X260.8 mono blocks and sold the Audience f3 cords I used with them. I still regard the f3 as a tremendous value especially when used on the amp or preamp.
I simplified my system down to 3 components - Aurender N200 streamer, Bricasti M3 DAC, Boulder 866 integrated. I’m pretty sure the upgrade bug will bite at some point and I might go back to separates but so far I love the sound and the simplicity.