Another Cable Burn-in Question

I must be missing sojmething or electron flow theory has significantly changed in the recent past somehow.

Just how is the current/voltage being allowed to return to the source component if the downstream preamp is not powered up?

I am thinking the circuit would be open in that event and no signal, voltage, or current will be conducted in an open circuit. Neither would one be passed in a shorted ckt which could also be the deal without power to the secondary component, again, allowing the signal to return to the source.

???

I must be missing sojmething or electron flow theory has significantly changed in the recent past somehow.

Just how is the current/voltage being allowed to return to the source component if the downstream preamp is not powered up?

Simple. You just place the preamp below the source - that way the heavy bass can slide down the interconnects easily.

If you look at the manual for your preamp, the section dealing with source connections generally is titled, "INPUTS". That's because the signal voltage(and it's swings) are coming FROM the source to the pre. The input impedance of the pre remains the same and completes the circuit for the source's interconnects, whether the unit is turned on or not, because there are PASSIVE components(attenuator/resistor/etc) in any preamp's input circuitry that present a load for them. The only signal that LEAVES the preamp, does so from the OUTPUTS. To burn interconnects between a pre and power amp: The amp(likewise) need not be powered up for exactly the same reasons(passive components at the inputs), while a source and the pre would(to provide signal voltage TO the interconnects).

I now have over 100 hours on the Signal SR i/c (see original post) and while the top end has smoothed out it is still just a tad strident for my taste. While this may improve with additional burn in time, I'm not so sure the midrange warmth which gives vocals body will ever emerge. Maybe I have too much silver wire in my system or maybe it's something else but I may need to try a different i/c. The low end of the Signal cable siver resolution is to die for in my system. Just superb rhythm, speed and articulation. I'll give it more time.

You really can't make a final judgement with most "high end" interconnects/cables before they've seen 200 hrs of strong music signal. Be patient!