Who's to blame for the Grain??

I agree onthe Tube integrated.
A Jolida that doesn't use el34 tubes will give you the bass (mostly) that you, no doubt, crave.

I've never owned Jolida, but their all tube amps are super for teh $$.
There's several on the goN right now.

What's up with you, Meech?
Let us know.

Because you're at a nascent stage and on a limited budget, I'm going to suggest something a little more radical, and something I wish someone would have done for me when I was starting out.

First, I wouldn't buy anything right now. As good as some of the specific suggestions may be, I doubt any of them will cure you for long. I'm sure your system has more issues than just "grain" - you just haven't focused on all of them yet. In fact, no system on a low budget will be near perfect. The problem I see with changing one component at this level is that it is difficult to make a meaningful change. You may mitigate the "grain" issue with one purchase, but then the new/better component may expose weaknesses in your other equipment. This is the start of the equipment merry-go-round and will likely put you right back on this board asking a similar question.

So, what's the answer (on a budget)? I would recommend a few things.

First, obtain more audiophile knowledge before spending more money on audiophile products. I highly recommend Robert Harley's book for anyone, especially beginners. Everyone has two ears, but it's knowledge of what to listen for and what factors influence what your hearing that will get you quicker to your audiophile destination. The message boards are ok, but it's limited and hard to tell good/bad information.

Second, you should apply your increased knowledge and listen to as many systems as possible. Currently, you noticed the "grain" problem by comparing your system to a dealer's. The more systems you listen to, the better you will become in noticing the aspects you like and components that deliver it. There are no shortcuts to this knowledge. I'd get it on the cheap by listening to other people's system, dealer's systems, etc versus making numerous personal buying mistakes.

In particular, I would highly recommend attending the HE2003 show in San Francisco For the price of an audiophile power cord, you can probably fly there and spend a few days doing nothing but listen to a bunch a different systems in quite difficult environments. You should pick up alot of information listening and talking with manufacturers.

While most systems at such a show may be out of your price range, it may work to your advantage. Once you visit a budget room like Music Hall, Odyssey, etc, you will likely notice that the sound is pretty comparable to the "big boys" and realize that system synergy and quality budget components go a long way. Once you've come to this conclusion and gained a level of comfort, you may come to the same conclusion as my specific suggestion for you... sell all your existing components and buy a complete budget system that you've heard together and are happy with.

If you haven't heard anything at your budget level that makes you happy, DON'T buy anything until you can save up and afford more. This approach requires more initial patience, but it will save you lots of frustration and money in the long run.

I agree with Labtec to a certain extent, noone is going to get it right with one upgraded component, no matter who you are, if you're starting out with some not so good stuff.
You're going to have to upgrade each piece, and possibly, such as is common with us less than wealthy types, you do it in stages, and save tons of cash by making careful purchases on the used market.

While I would love to attend a HiFi show myself, I don't think that there is any way around the learning curve/subsequent purchasing/selling/repurchasing of equipment while you "learn" what you like. I've had good equipment, with good synergy in several different incarnations, but my tastes have changed over the years. I buy and sell components and accessories based on what it will do when inserted into my system.

Here's where Labtec has a good point. Buying an entire system as one unit can be great. I don't think that any one manufacturer makes a total package that would suit me. But there are dealers out there that I've visited that can put together some really good systems at great prices. It's about having access to different lines of gear, and having the love to sit there and fiddle around and make some good music, in addition to answering the phones, etc. However, unless Meech can find a dealer near him that will extend credit (or borrow money for gear-I've done it) it will be difficult to make 1 large purchase.

I guess I still think that the best way is to find some people that you trust, that have some knowledge on the subject, and ask for advice. Also, it helps to know what you're looking for, as "better" system can mean lots of different things to different people.

I hope Meech hasn't thrown it all out the window, as I've been tempted to do at times.

The only way to fully understand what a system "should" sound like is to listen to live music in a good accoustical setting. A rule of thumb - if the music is amplified in any way, it will have some degree of distortion / coloration. Good luck in the journey!!

Hey,,,,,,,,,,,,how's everyone doing.

First of all I want you guys to know that I have read every single post and I appreciate all of your feedback. And yes Gthirteen,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I'm on the verge of tossing everything out the window.

I'm kinda short on time right now but I will respond when I get home tonight.

Just wanted to drop a quick thank you.'

By the way,,,,,,,,,,,,I was almost convinced that an affordable tube pre-amp would solve my problem UNTIL LABTEC spoke about being patient! I know that's great advice but tell that to my ears who have to listen to this shit until my pockets get enough cash to upgrade. I'm determined to put together the ultimate giant killer budget system within the next 6 months.
(don't get me wrong labtec,,,,,,,,I really did read and appreciate your advice but I'm very, VERY impatient) My middle name is 'Learn The Hard Way'.

Anyway,,,,,,,,,,,,I'll back tonight.