I would change the MF inergrated,I think that is your week link.I own and enjoy the MF A3 24 bit cd player.GREAT stand alone player.No complains about it's sound.Then again I have a stronger pre/power amp.Never auditioned the x-10 buffer.I wouldn't spend money on such device either.Upgrade to a line stage and perhaps a tubed power amp.Conrad Johnson Mv 55 is a great amp that I use with my set-up.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.