"Speakers have the greatest impact on sound" from a previous post.
Sorry have to disagree with this. I sold hi end audio for 15 yrs. and we used to do demonstration after demonstration on how source, then electronics could and did make a huge difference in a pair of budget bookshelf speakers. Sometimes the stands were more expensive than the speakers.
When staring out, source, electronics then speakers is where I would go.
And start with basic cables. Then you have a reference point.
Then when settled in you can try different things like cables, wire, or gear.
I use this way in evaluating gear in my system.
Lets say I am trying a new preamp. 3 possible outcomes.
1) it sounds better
2) it sounds about the same
3) it sounds worse.
Keeps it simple.
Sorry have to disagree with this. I sold hi end audio for 15 yrs. and we used to do demonstration after demonstration on how source, then electronics could and did make a huge difference in a pair of budget bookshelf speakers. Sometimes the stands were more expensive than the speakers.
When staring out, source, electronics then speakers is where I would go.
And start with basic cables. Then you have a reference point.
Then when settled in you can try different things like cables, wire, or gear.
I use this way in evaluating gear in my system.
Lets say I am trying a new preamp. 3 possible outcomes.
1) it sounds better
2) it sounds about the same
3) it sounds worse.
Keeps it simple.