Where is the weak chain in my system?

Ac...Ac...Ac line first ! Cardas power cords are good, but not in the game with your system, same with speaker cable, if you like Cardas;try Golden Reference.And what about your digital and inter cable? In my own system ;the digital cable is the one I switch to get the sound balance I prefer.

If I was in your position I would start with one, preferably two dedicated electrical circuits. Followed by a good quality duplex connectors. If you want to go on the cheap,Bob Crump from TG Design, recomends a particular Pass & Seymour model. You can probably find it with a search. On the more expensive, go with a Jena Labs cryogenically treated plug, list about $80.00.

On a more important line, (pun intended) I am in the process of burning in some cables in a Cable Cooker 2.0 from Audiodharma. their site is: http://www.audioexcellenceaz.com/audiodharma_cable_cooker.htm.

My initial reaction has been jaw drooping with my interconnects. I am still in the middle of trying this out with the different IC and Power Cords. If the rest of my cords benefit a tenth of what my Coincident iCs did I will be very happy.

For reference I own Rolland model 10 amp, Hovland HP100 mc preamp, Graham 2.2 mounted on an Oracle turntable. Wadia 27ix w/270, Verity Parsifal Encore. Numerous IC, and PC from JPS, XLO, Coincident, Illuminati. Don't ask me to compare them until they have gone through the cooker. This cables were "properly broken in?", not until the cooker.

You have a good system, do not change it until you work on the basics of what you have. Going on a wild goose chase can be very expensive and time consuming. I know.

Hope this helps.

On paper, your system seems like it's most excellent. I've read the posts, and I must be candid. I think you're bored with your gear. It's not pumping you up the way it used to. All of your gear is excellent- please let me know when you decide to sell it. However, before you do........consider this.......
You didn't mention anything about your analog rig. What table, arm, cartridge and phono preamp are you using? Could it be that that is what's missing? Perhaps. Perhaps not. The tweaks mentioned earlier will only take you so far. I get the feeling you're looking for a more significant change. A new set of mono blocks with matching preamp will certainly give you that. Check out the Electrocompaniet Nemo mono blocks. IMO, they are the best I've heard regardless of price, and I've heard a lot. And talk about power, at 110v, you've got more than you'll probably ever use. Switch voltage in your home to 220v, and say hello to HIFI HEAVEN. Or Hell, since absolute power corrupts absolutely. The matching preamp is a steal, and you get to learn all about the wonderful world of truly balanced amplification. Or,perhaps a new pair of speakers. There is nothing like a new pair of speakers to get that audiophile heart racing with anticipation. I won't even begin mentioning what speakers you should look for next. For an audiophile, that's like me telling you who you should marry. In any event, I think it's boredom that afflicts you. You're not alone. This site is loaded with people in the same boat. I'm interested in what road you'll take, so please let us know.
Good luck!

Thanks everyone for the input so far. Looks like the cables are the place to start, which I agree since I have been trying some more expensive cables and decided to hold the decision until I find the right one. I tried Transparent Ultra and Cardas Quadlink but they did not make enough difference. I will also upgrade power cords.

As for the preamp, I actually sold my ARC LS-25 MK2?3 (latest model) to upgrade my DAC to Goldmund which I really notice the difference with all other DACs including ML 360S in how sweet, rich and more powerful it was. It had digital volume control and since Goldmund recommended that I go direct, I thought I could get rid of preamp and invest elsewhere. As for analogue, it is an entirely new hobby I think and I am definitely resisting to go there at least until I finish the digital jounrney. BTW, I spent a year building my HT and stopped hardware buying/changing and just watching movies. I am into audio for 6 months only...

I welcom more inputs

Cj, I suggest you consider cables, cords, etc, AFTER tweaking the system as is; only after optimising your present system's operation will you be able to assess the suitability of new components to yr system & musical taste.

Judging by your thread, it may be that you miss the involvement your system -- i.e. the quality to be drawn into the music. Musicality perhaps? Or is it pace & rythm and transient attack (you refer to more "power": but you DO have horsepower, you know...).

As you don't use a pre, first check the Goldmund -- VT100 impedance matching. If it's wrong, you could have anaemic (and "cold") sound coming out of the speakers.

Then, as suggested, check the support under the trans & DAC. The right support may provide dynamics and pace (try using thick granite under the front-end, or a Neuance shelf, or even Darumas). Indeed, do provide good power: dedicated lines are relatively cheap but excellent performers. Speaker placement & room treatment will help with imaging and reflections -- but I expect you have already considered this aspect.

All of this requires little small financial outlay and offers lots of fun -- before you start investing the mega$!

Cheers!