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?

tee_dee05-19-2023 2:24am

rick_n Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 120 posts 05-22-2023 at 09:24pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Speakers then DAC if streaming
timlub Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,039 posts 05-23-2023 at 12:58pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Leaving the source out..... speakers, preamplifier, amplifier, cables. In that order
mksun Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 415 posts 05-23-2023 at 11:03pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete For my system it’s a quality standalone DAC that had the biggest impact. My listening consists of 75% CDs and 25% streaming.
curtdr Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 348 posts 05-24-2023 at 01:05am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Speakers are the most critical component.
tee_dee OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 32 posts 05-24-2023 at 01:42am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete For my system it’s a quality standalone DAC that had the biggest impact. My listening consists of 75% CDs and 25% streaming. @mksun DAC with LPS? Type of DAC technology or DAC chip? Do these factors matter? 🤔