I have an ongoing lack of understanding about what piece of equipment in the following system, actually gives the music it’s final quality out to my speakers.
Right. Well let me set you straight then. Every piece of equipment. Its that simple. Every single piece gives the music its final quality out to your speakers.
Will a quality amp, tube or other, influence the quality, or is it already set by the phone’s DAC?
Of course the amp has an influence on the quality- and regardless of the DAC.
Same goes for the wires connecting them.
Every. Single. Piece.