Here's where I am at so far: Mcintosh MC352 Tyler Acoustics PD-80's with built in sub amps Monster 2100 power conditioner/powerbar Mainly Monster IC's and speaker cable Behringer DEQ2496 Harmon Kardon AVR7200 Harmon Kardon DVD25 Toshiba 72mx195 DLP HDTV
Due to lack of funds I have been using the HK AVR as a preamp and the DVD player as a CD player. The sound is a little forward unless I tame it with the EQ. I don't want to worry about any room treatment for now because I am moving in July. For the biggest sound improvement, which would you replace first, pre or source?
I listen to almost everything and like a warm sound. I am hoping you will all agree to replace the DVD with a CD player first simply because it will be less expensive. I am thinking tubes for the preamp when I do the swap.
If your CDP has a digital out, I too would recommend adding a DAC. Audio Mirror, Scott Nixon, Audio Note, Bel Canto, and others make excellent DACs that are under $1000 (some at half that price), and you can get a good digital IC for $100. I think you will get better performance value from the component if going this route, and it also allows you the flexibility to run a hard drive-based system if you so choose.
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