A further note on cables: in a moment of pure self-indulgence I purchased a Monster Cable Bass DI cord for my acoustic bass guitar. Not their absolute top of the line, but still set me back $80 (Can). When I got it home I set up a direct A/B comparison between it and my usual Rodam cord. I could actually hear a difference, and I don't have as good an ear as I would like. The difference was small, of course, but it was there: a tiny increase in volume and a definitely fuller "rounder" tone. I'm convinced.