I agree with the pre-amp, but I just can't understand with your list of components how the ML 336 could be a weak spot? You would just be exchanging one excellent amp for another. At their performance level it really comes down to personal taste, no one is really right or wrong.
what will make the greatest differance in sound.
I can only replace one item at this time. My system consists of Martin Logan Prodigy speakers, ML 336, Monster 2.4 speaker cables, Magnum Dynalab Tuner, Monster interconnects, arc LS1 preamp, California Audio Labs icon/mkii cd player. Feed-back from an earlier forum suggested I replace the preamp, cables and cd player. But which one first? I am considering a ML preamp 380s at some point, would like to know if this will improve the currant configuration and sound?