Where’s My Weakest Link?

Thanks all, it sounds like the amp/pre amp need to go. I will check out the Rega options. Does anyone have experience with  the Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier?

Anybody who recommends changing the wiring in the speakers before upgrading a low cost preamp that is generations old is giving advice that is not logical. Many advances in technology since Carver's preamp.

Anybody?

I'll agree that adding a dedicated line should be one of the first upgrades to a system.

Seriously??!

Sorry, but the snark isn't nearly so effective when used on someone who actually knows what he's talking about. Its my biggest complaint with this site. Not the dozen or so who clog it up with pages of indecipherable blather. Not the ones who don't have a clue. The ones who pretend to know and try and pass themselves off as experienced when in fact they really have only the slightest tiniest bit more than a clue. If that.

The fact is its not "anybody" making those recommendations. Its somebody with actual experience having tried and compared everything mentioned. Which is why I - not anybody, me- am NOT recommending a dedicated line. Easily the worst of all the suggestions made so far!

Unlike "anybody" I have actual experience with all these things. The ancient amp. The speaker cables. The dedicated line. I have done all these things. Actually done. Not read about. Not thought about. DONE!

Compared. Three different dedicated lines. More wires and mods than there is time to list. Its really sad to see anybody who hasn't done these things pretend to know more than somebody who has. Worse than sad. Pathetic.

...and the thread does it's regular organic evolution from trying to provide the OP with input to diatribes aimed at obtaining self validation of one's prowess in the hobby at all costs!  sigh

Easy_payments, I hate when that happens.
I usually just bite my tongue and try not to feed the bear.

Just one fact to add to the good other ones here:
I have a Node 2i and recently added an Orchid MHDT Tube R2R DAC. I now stream through the Orchid; I've noticed improvement.