Sirspeedy,
You are correct in warning him that the magic could be lost with further experimentation/upgrades. After ONLY 24 years in this hobby, I have come to the conclusion that in the way audiophiles approach their system building, component synergy is not only paramount but also quiet elusive. I have listen to many high-priced systems that were not worth the price of the crates they were delivered in, while other more modest systems have had that magic that you speak of. I for one have abandoned the "audiophile" approach and have gone down a more scientific and knowledge driven path, in which I control the parameters either electronically or acoustically via processors as opposed to the endless component swapping and tone-control via cable selection. Getting back to the point, yes that window for that "magic" is quiet narrow and elusive; Sid sounds like he has the recipe and I would take your advice if I were him and not mess with it but (to use the cliche) just enjoy the music.
You are correct in warning him that the magic could be lost with further experimentation/upgrades. After ONLY 24 years in this hobby, I have come to the conclusion that in the way audiophiles approach their system building, component synergy is not only paramount but also quiet elusive. I have listen to many high-priced systems that were not worth the price of the crates they were delivered in, while other more modest systems have had that magic that you speak of. I for one have abandoned the "audiophile" approach and have gone down a more scientific and knowledge driven path, in which I control the parameters either electronically or acoustically via processors as opposed to the endless component swapping and tone-control via cable selection. Getting back to the point, yes that window for that "magic" is quiet narrow and elusive; Sid sounds like he has the recipe and I would take your advice if I were him and not mess with it but (to use the cliche) just enjoy the music.