I noticed your thread on the ATC speakers your purchasing too. I have about 20 plus years of history with upgrading Spectral components. You can check the thread, ( Spectral DMA-180 questions ). I would replace the amp later,( DMA-150 S2 is a nice match). I would recommend replacing the DMC-12 with a DMC-15 S1 or S2. The 12 has a lean bottom end, slightly brighter, colored mid-top end, with a higher noise floor, less resolution,etc. Then the 15 in any series. There is a 15 on AudioGon. The latest 15SS is even better but not a cost effective upgrade for your system. I don't know what source you are using or if any line conditioning. As for cables. I would rec replacing the stock power cords with a MIT Z-Cord 2 and SPK and INT with MIT V2.1 Ultra wide SPK, RCA INT. The V2.1 prices are drooping with all the newer MIT .2 .3 series cables. With these upgrades your system would be brought to another level. A much warmer, fuller more involved presentation.