Poll: Most impactful component

Really great discussion and diversity in views. Sadly this really adds to my confusion. I can't decide! I'm fairly new to the hobby. All this information is great.

This hobby is very personal. Then why do we rely on equipment reviews and base our buying decisions on other's opinions? Every system is different. It must take obsessive iterations in YOUR room and YOUR system to answer this question. That's the lesson I've learned so far. Thanks.

There's this guy on youtube who plays in the upper high end of audio equipment. I watch him occasionally and managed to notice the DAC is one component that lasts through his high velocity testing.

If you don't stream I suppose preamps rank supreme. It seems even if one streams digital music, other components matter more?

I told myself that I would not buy anything for system until I get some real speakers in my room. I think I have the answer.

Do integrateds, kind of an all in one, have their role?

someone mentioned room which may dictate your choice of speakers. But controlling for room, speakers and their placement appear to be most important.

For my system it’s a quality standalone DAC that had the biggest impact. My listening consists of 75% CDs and 25% streaming.

@mksun 

DAC with LPS? Type of DAC technology or DAC chip?

Do these factors matter? 🤔

I sit on sofa directed at my system. An upgrade to an arm chair would be nice.