IC's and Speaker cables

I'm a fan of Gregg Straley's Reality cable line. You can outfit your system for less than 2K with money to spare and not feel that you missed out on anything. Very good stuff and friendly/knowledgeable owner.

Hickbone - Have you swapped with cables with something else just to see what changes? I'm thinking basis hardware store cables or something similar.

One of these days I'm going to purches a set of the Blue Jean Cable 10 awg speaker wires to compare to my DIY Cat5 based wires. The two designed are completely different so one would expect to hear some difference. I have my old monster cables sitting in front of the TV waiting for me to get motived to swap them back in for comparison.

Just because you think that something can be improved with your speaker wires, you can't assume that it means that more expensive cables are the answer. It's possible that something cheaper might sound better to your ears.

Years ago, even DIY stuff that started life as Home Despot extension cords had its day. Got good press but the Despot has since moved on and no longer has the EXACT cord.

Setup and detail before trying to use cables as a tone control.

Try random cable swaps to see what changes. You've started down a path which could drive you nutty.

I'll never give up my balanced Mogami. CA840 to integrated.

$2k may not be enough even in used prices but you can try.
Get interconnects first and work your way down; unless you see a really good deal on speaker cables and decide to work your way up. Good cables make huge difference if your hearing is good including power cords.

For you I would strongly recommend the Fusion Audio Romance interconnects. It is like adding a tube component to your chain but in a good way. Warmth, presence and body is its forte. But it doesnt slow down or muddy the music like some other warm sounding cables do. Talk to Eric Love, I am sure he will allow you a trial period. I think you will love it.

For speaker cables I would suggest Crimson Audio RM Musiclink from UK. Natural, smooth, open sound without a hint of compression.