Sanji,
I read your comments in a discussion about NordOst cables. I have a somewhat similar setup (CJ Premier 14, Premier 11A, sometimes replaced by the MF2500A) Cardas Golden Ref ICs; Dunlavy SC-IV (I had a lot of Thiels before) with Heimdall SCs.
Intending to improve the quality upstream (even better vocals, more precise instruments without being too forward) , I am contemplating to replace the ICs with NordOst ones, did you try some that you liked over the existing Golden Refs?
TIA!