2. cables
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Whats more important, source cables or amp cables?

I'd like to save some time demo'ing my own system for hours and get some experts to tell me what to do. What's most important, the cable between the source and the pre-pro, or the pre-pro and the amp(s). Does it make more difference in the sound to place my better pair of XLRs before or after the pre. I have a small Krell system, DVD Std, HTS 7.1, and 2250/3250 KAVs. I asked Krell and he told me they are both important, but that didn't really help since finding another pair of Crecendos is easier said than done. I have one pair, and 2 pair of Serenades, which don't suck, but from what I've read, aren't near as good as the Crecendos.

Any help or explanations would be beneficial at this point. Thanks AGers
mbarnes928
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
I have found the most important cable in my system to be from my phono cart to the phono pre. Likely due to the small signal involved (especially from a LOMC).

But in general +1 to what Al said.
nismo
12 posts
 
I just went thru swapping cables myself and it was admittedly a royal PITA. However, it did reveal interesting and significant changes depending upon where i placed the ICs and PCs. Source to pre did provide more audible differences. You will have to bite the bullet and try them out yourself. But, i do think you will appreciate the improvements wrought by such experimentation. And thus, be certain that your system is maxed given what you have. Good luck!
mbarnes928 OP
4 posts
 
Ok so everyone besides Nismo says either they all matter or do amp to amp first... I guess I will set it up there first and then swap the better cables to the source/pre position and see if there is any difference. I also need to see if digital from the source sounds as good as pre-amp mode with the xlr's. Looks like this weekend my voicecoils are all going to stay warmed up!

Thanks again for all the input, if anyone else wants to chime in with their opinions or experience we all welcome it. :-)
erndog's avatar
erndog
261 posts
 
After lots of testing, I found that the cable that made the most noticeable difference was the source to preamp cable. So I always use my best cable in that position.
grateful's avatar
grateful
104 posts
 
over all good cabling will make a difference. Where to start? The further upstream the more significant the impact (this goes for equipment too). In other words, your source equipment and cabling carries the smallest and most delicate signal - if there is flaws present or introduced here - then said flaws will only be magnified and expanded upon further downstream (preamp, amp & speakers along with the associated cabling). Thus, your best should be source and source cabling. However, due be aware that the absolute best and perfect signal can be ruined by poor reproduction, so downstream is important too. This is the reason you will get so many opinions on such a question - its all a symbiosis...
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