What Is Most Important?

As Syntax posted, the preamp has had the most profound positive effect on my system's overall performance. I don't have to listen as loud anymore to hear what the music really has to say, especially in softer  moments.

Just a complete transformation in listening enjoyment.

Regards,

Dan

The music that's being reproduced.... 

#1 is the right blend of Sativa. A good recording (no definition of a "good’ recording available) helps.

There is the rub. Good to me might be bad to most others. If you had found it you wouldn’t devote precious time to scewy questions

My DAC and my Music Server

A good recording.

It’s amazing how they have that knack of sounding good on whatever system you play them on - from PC, ghetto blaster, car, home system to headphones.

Here’s a good example from 1956 that I’ve yet to hear sound bad.

Apparently it was produced by none other than George Martin.