Going from a ARC to a ML 380S pre-amp should certainly make your system sound different, but whether it's better or not would be strictly a matter of (your) personal preference, and of course only you can decide that. Finding ways to audition such expensive equipment (in home) as the 380S can be difficult.
Years ago Monster ICs and cables did not have a very good reputation among audiophiles. It was generally considered soft, dull, and slow with rolled off HF. I'm not familiar with their recent offerings, but that would be the first area I would be suspicious of and want to address.
Why not give the Cable Company a call (www.fatwyre.com) and discuss ICs and spkr cables with them relative to your system, and BTW, you have some nice equipment already. Several years ago I bought all my Synergistic Research wire(s) through them-- after much home auditioning, and have never looked back. They gave me about a 15% price break. The home auditioning was worth a lot. Good Luck. Craig
Years ago Monster ICs and cables did not have a very good reputation among audiophiles. It was generally considered soft, dull, and slow with rolled off HF. I'm not familiar with their recent offerings, but that would be the first area I would be suspicious of and want to address.
Why not give the Cable Company a call (www.fatwyre.com) and discuss ICs and spkr cables with them relative to your system, and BTW, you have some nice equipment already. Several years ago I bought all my Synergistic Research wire(s) through them-- after much home auditioning, and have never looked back. They gave me about a 15% price break. The home auditioning was worth a lot. Good Luck. Craig