Interconnects and phono pre

Installdark...you could always use an adapter to experiment and then dump the adapter

Nsgarch... I slightly disagree with you...yes to same brand (house sound) of interconnects and speaker cables, but power cords..no. I have found that these are a totally different animal...manufacturers buy other's plugs which are a significant contributer to the total sound which swamp that house sound. Make your own power cords...better and easy to do.

YES, it all starts with your source equipment digital or analog, the better sound path the better quality you end up with as a whole. I have the same preamp but a differant Phono stage (Nagra VPS)and TT (Basis)than you. When I went from FMS Nexus RCA in/XLR out to Nordost Valhala RCA in/XLR out there was a big differance in sound quality for the better. They keep getting better as they breakin.
Just try lots of ICs if you can before you choose they will all sound differant.

OK, thanks so much to everyone who responded! It sounds like interconnects WILL make a difference so I am on the hunt.

Bill