And the biggest influence on sound quality is...


The quality of the recording itself.

Then the room, the setup, the speakers, and lastly the  front end.

I've got recordings that make my system sound horrible, and I've got recordings that make my system sound absolutely wonderful.

None of the gear changes have had that much impact on sound quality.

 

 

tomcarr

Being present for the music.

I find this most influence (for me) is to be able to chill out and not listen with the "looking for imperfection" mindset I cannot seem to escape at times, and instead just turn the lights low, lower the needle (or whatever I may be using), and exhale. It’s a big ask.

Like for me zeroing in awe on a Ron Carter bass line or Elvin Jones brush wondering right in that moment, hmmm, perhaps there is a way I should lift the needle and play my other copy, search another master to stream, swap a cable, turn off all appliances, move those home made bass traps, move my paintings to other places on the wall.

Just not then.

On a more practical front, the master bar none.

 

 

Your room. The least sexy part of the process unless you can afford to hire a pro to do the whole thing for you. Most tweaks make micro differences, room treatment  is a macro difference. Huge in most cases. 

A wife that thinks 50k is a reasonable amount to spend on stereo gear for the living room....

You have your system and your room...but a good recording in a big open,wood floors won't really help.