04-07-14: Cbozdog
How do you tell which aspect of the system falls short at one given moment (without going through the straight A/B)? Does a shortcoming in PC (blur, boomy bass, etc..) sound different to you than a shortcoming in IC, SC, room etc...?
I would say that a shortcoming can be difficult to address if you are unfamiliar with the system. That is why it is critical to be familiar with your own system, and only make one change at a time. Change a power cord, and then listen for a few days, are things better, the same, or worse?
The biggest mistake you can make is changing too many things at one time, though most of us have done that. Buy a new amp, some cables and some cords, then insert them all into the system and the sound gets worse....then you have no idea what is doing what and who's making the sound worse. One change at a time helps to alleviate the guessing game.