What is your approach to system fine tuning with cables and cords ?

Hello blindjim,

     You are a wise man, with many pearls of wisdom that suggest a good action plan to follow such as:

 "It seems prudent to say 'attack that which is blatantly wrong first."

Very good advice that I know better as 'low hanging fruit'.  

     I agree that there are no set in stone rules in this hobby,  
     I would advise newcomers to read and learn as much as you can but also listen to as wide a variety of music, formats and systems as you can,  You'll not only be gaining valuable personal audio experience but you'll also be discovering what music, formats, components and system qualities you like and dislike. 
      All of this will become important once you assemble or upgrade your own systems.  I think your advice to 'follow your ears' is a good way to keep in mind what's most important and increase the chances of building a system that will really be enjoyed.

Tim
 

blindjim comment about something  sitting on window sill.. I have a few silk plants in vases. a mid sized sculpture, and a narrow large one now. But just now thinking maybe more.. I thought why now find a pair of larger rectangular-ish cheap vase and add irregular small blocks of wood, covering it fully to make a pair of free standing diffusion devices! with the silk flowers.The vases would fit within the window rules...

Yeah, tuning the room with normal or almost normal items can be rewarding. Unfortunately, there is not much I can do, it is a living room. But I am lucky, acoustics is acceptable, and I mostly listen near field so it’s not a major thing. Putting Purist Dominus on the integrated amp and Purist Aquila on regenerator was. When I reversed it it was still good but much worse. Phono stage doesn’t react that much to different power cords, provided they are all very good. Still does , though, but I am temporarily out of cable funds.