As digital sources all sound the same, I can see how folks assume the speakers make the biggest difference. I maintain that, in a vinyl-based system, the source is most important, with phono, pre, power, speakers in descending order of impact. Of course, any system is only as good as the sum of its parts—the corollary being that a weak component can bring it all down.
Poll: Most impactful component
Given all the technological advances over the years, audiophiles have very different perspectives on equipment.
This likely reopens an age old debate, but which component has the most potential to improve a stereo system? Or can it?
If you could upgrade one component to take your system to the next level which one would get the investment? Speakers? DAC? Pre? Source?
Or is this the holy grail that no one can achieve?
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@roxy54 I was kidding! |
For varying reasons, I toggle back and forth between a PrimaLuna integrated and Pass amp/Cary preamp combo. I also recently upgraded from a NODE/Qutest (w/ SBoosters) combo to an Innuos Mini/PSAudio combo. Zu speakers are the constant. Nordost cables. Stream exclusively. No question that the Pass/Cary/Innuos/PSA combo delivers the best listening experience to my ears. That's not answering your question other than to suggest the obvious that it all matters. If I had to pick, though, I think the streamer upgrade made the biggest difference in my modest system. |
- 89 posts total