Where to put the better cable.

Obviously, (though I would go cdp to pre/ always the source) no clear cut answer here. Let the ole tympanics decide for you. They'll never steer you wrong...peace, warren

It doesn't matter a whole lot. Remember, your system is only as good as its weakest link.

Try both ways, but if the lower "quality" (whatever that means) cable is really junk than you're better off NOT using it at all, and at least substituting a known inexpensive reference IC for comparisons. An easy wnner here is the $20 Canare StarQuad mic cable the pro recording engineers use. Try TWO of them, substituting your "better" cable in each place sequentially. Try to have a buddy help you for a single-blind setup, so you don't confuse cost with "quality", as you put it. Cheers.

Timo is correct. It doesn't really matter where you put it and it will always be your weakest link.
IMHO, always use the cleanest, best imaging, sound stage, and full freq response on your source ( Pretty much the best cable you can get ) and swap around the preamp to amp cable for your listening preference.
Remember, if it sounds bad from the source then it will just get amplify to a greater degree from preamp to amp.

Everyone makes good points. Yes, ultimately it comes down to what sounds better to my ear. Just wanted some opinions. Thanks everyone!

For those curious about the details:
Simaudio Moon Nova
Harmonic Technology Magic Link RCA
Simaudio Moon P5
Harmonic Technology ProSilway II RCA
Simaudio Moon w6

And, yes, I know, I would be better served using XLR. Will do that when the budget allows.

RLW