What to upgrade on $3,000 budget


When improving my interconnects to Audioquest Diamondbacks, my system became too harsh. It's JM Labs Daline 3.1, Jolida 5t preamp with factory mod, Adcom GFA 545 II amp, Moon 100 D Dac and Airport Express. I'm using Audioquest CV-8 speaker cable. Should I consider upgrading the amp or speakers and with what? I listen to jazz, classical and vocals. I'd be grateful for any advice. Thanks.
hugo1
How can an 'Upgrade' or an 'improved' anything, cause a system to sound worst?? It's just beyond my ability to understand.
Cheers
Transparency does not cause harshness, transparency reveals harshness. It's like looking out a window, your old interconnects were less revealing, they covered up for the unpleasant view.

The new interconnects cleaned the window so now you have a clearer vision of an unpleasant view. There are two things that you can do here, either cover the window back up again or work on improving the view (system).
"The new interconnects cleaned the window so now you have a clearer vision of an unpleasant view. There are two things that you can do here, either cover the window back up again or work on improving the view (system)."

You should be in the Hall Of Fame!!!
I'd be thinking about working around the Airport Express and then maybe this

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-ayre-v-5xe-fully-balanced-zero-feedback-2012-12-22-amplifiers-21703-frederick-md
12-28-12: Rok2id
How can an 'Upgrade' or an 'improved' anything, cause a system to sound worst?? It's just beyond my ability to understand.

No surprise here.

12-28-12: Rok2id

You should be in the Hall Of Fame!!!

Thank you. ;~}