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What is the most important component in your system.

To me it is my ARC Ref 6 preamp. I have used a few other preamps, ML38s , ARC Ref 5se,  with my current system and none has taking me closer to music then my ARC Ref 6 preamp. Years ago I always thought it was my B&W 800 Matrix speakers and then my Krell FBB amp. But found out that to get the best sound from my 800s it is a preamp..Years ago i never knew how important a good preamp was in reproducing music. And sure everything adds up ,like interconnects , power cables , speaker cables, platforms and all those tweaks that we use and try. Now i not saying that i was never happy with my 800s and Krell or even my ML 38s. But adding my current preamp really makes my other components bring out their best. 
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tattooedtrackman OP
884 posts
 
@elizabeth .... Nice response.....And i agree whole heart.... Also its very interesting to see what everyone else thinks and says.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,885 posts
 
I just rediscovered the joy of a well recorded SACD. That, leads me to believes that once the whole system is dialed in, that "single" component belief is made irrelevant. 

It's now down to the source. There are still gems hidden in those pits and grooves, if recorded correctly.

All the best,
Nonoise
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
The one I just bought 
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,012 posts
 
I think that for me the most important thing isn't a physical component, but the mental experience gathered over the years through experience that helps you to blend the separate parts together with some kind of skill as well as a little intuition to get a good result.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Roxy54, you nailed it. The mind that creates the rig is the most important by far. How many rigs are held back by lack of will to hear better, the resolve to get it at all reasonable costs, and the passion to not quit until achieved!

As to the equipment, it's fairly a waste to prioritize as all elements of a system are critical. If you can't see that, you'll always have mediocre sound.
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