I use a Cello Audio Palette which is a preamp /equalizer.I could not be without it.Some CD recording are truly poor with the proper equalization they can improve.I will now recall my first experience with the Cello.I was auditioning a rather pricey pair of speakers ,$50,000 in 1983,was a lot of money.I first listened to the speakers with store demo CDs sounded great.But I insisted on listening to my own CDs ,they sounded awful.At which point a Cello Audio Palette was brought out ,and my CDs were now played using the Cello adjusting the sound.Results were fantastic,at which point I got hooked to the Audio Palette.I have 2 of them,one for each system.They are expensive and hard to find but a much better investment than cables.