Help with interconnects?

Pictures please!

Not quite sure what you really mean here?
I mean if you have good sound from all of your components then you must have them connected correctly, in a sense.
It is possible you could have some out of phase ( left going to right and vice versa) but that should be obvious to the ear?
I admit I have a lot of components connected and no matter how neatly I try to run all the cables it still ends up looking rather like a rats nest.
What you really want to try and avoid is running interconnects directly over power cords, again easier said than done at times, this could be especially crucial with analog sources like a turntable.
Just look it over and take your time doing one source at a time verifying phase to phase and location and security of the connection.

Or do you mean, should you be using xlr instead of rca or digital instead of analog interconnects if your sources have these options?
Enjoy

Can you post pictures on this forum?

OP
You cannot add a picture direct to a post but you can add a link to say a google drop box for example or a youtube video of your gear
Hope that helps

Left to right and right to left is not out of phase. It is simply reversed channels. Enjoy ! MrD.

OP: I feel your pain based on a flashback to my first system. So many cables and components, “wtf, why didn’t I keep that all-in-one stereo console?”

Take a deep breath. Start backwards with connections. Speakers. Set them up where you want. Speaker wires: connect them to the speaker lugs, keeping track of which speaker lead is “+” and connecting it to the corresponding “+” speaker terminal lug. Repeat that process for the “-“ speaker wire and speaker lug corresponding to the “-“ terminal.

Amo, integrated amp or receiver: connect the speaker wires from the right speaker to the corresponding speaker output terminals, with “+” speaker wire going to the “+” output terminal of the amp, integrated amp or receiver and with “-” speaker wire going to the “-” output terminal of the amp, integrated amp or receiver. Repeat process for other speaker wire.

Congrats! You’re half-way done!

Next, let’s tackle the sources (record player, CD/DVD player and or streaming device). These will be linked to the right and left inputs of your preamp, integrated amp or receiver. One source per input. Now if you have a separate preamp and power amp, then you will need to connect those together. One set of interconnects usually is required, leading from the right and left outputs of your preamp to the right and left inputs of your amp. The interconnects needed depends on the types of inputs and outputs on your sources, preamps and power amps (or integrated amps or receivers if you don’t have a separate preamp and power amp). Those are RCA plugs for “unbalanced” interconnect (most commonly found in home stereos) and XLR plugs found on “balanced” interconnects.

Turn on the set up with the volume fully down (or muted if there is a mute switch). Gradually crank up the volume with no source on and listen for hum or a buzz sound. If you hear that, then turn down the system (or off) and grab a friend to help you resolve the hum or noise issue. One usually needs to attach a ground wire from the system to a power strip ground to resolve the hum or noise. There is plenty of threads here that can help you rectify these and other issues you might encounter.

About all the wires, cables and cords. Try to keep the power cords free and clear of the rest.

That’s it! Enjoy!

Okay thanks all. Will give it a shot!

Okay, I think I have a viable question. My headphone amp has 3 digital inputs, so I guess I can input my digital sources directly into my headphone amp for headphone listening. 

Now, here goes the rookie question. Can I utilize different outputs from these same digital sources for my speaker listening? Whether it be through my dac or directly to my preamp? Thank you, I don't know exactly what I am able to do here or if this is the best way to go

Okay. Man, this is difficult to figure out for a newbie like me...a maze of inputs, outputs and interconnects!

Don’t let the interconnect wiring freak you out. Only the truly OCD-challenged folks tend to dressing their cables in a tidy bunch. 

Good point. Although, there seems to be a consensus that power cables can interfere with interconnects. But, my problem is just figuring out the best way to connect all my components for best performance and SQ