04-07-14: Cbozdog
Jmcgrogan2, if I understand correctly, basically you feel that "no, prior to engaging in swaps, etc.. one cannot tell which component, cable, etc.. is mostly responsible for what shortcoming of the overall sound".
I would agree with that. If I walk into a strange room and the sound is good or bad, how would I know which components, cable or cord to credit or blame for the sound?
The logical path is to proceed changing one component at a time and note what we think of the change. However, we do not always proceed in a logical manner in this hobby. ;^)