Cable

"Source 2 Pre, upstream sets the tone for the downstream"

Start with source, and then upgrade ICs when you've found the cable with the synergy you like. And I'm not saying high price = best sound.

Thanks to all. I'll probably try some type of Nordhost IC's since I have their speaker wires and power cords.

Have you spoken to Nordhost to get suggestions or their thoughts as to where the ICs you want should be placed in the signal chain? I'm always curious to know what the manufacturer's think.

You really have to listen for yourself, but I would have to agree with the people that recommend the source to pre as the more important of the 2. That's just my opinion, based on my experience, though. I'm sure that there are exceptions, as well.

In my systems, for example, I tend to stick with Audioquest. I find that their silver IC's only sound good going from the CD player to the preamp and from my TT to my phono pre. Anywhere else, they don't sound as good as the copper IC's do; even going from my phono pre to my preamp. I have no idea why, but that’s just how it is.