To bring this topic back (which is a good one) and off the complain-oh-wheel. I have found like some others, upgrading the source power cord, in my case a cd transport, made a very noticeable improvement. I got a used cord for 180.00, Shunyata sidewinder vtx. I worked for high end shops having heard many systems. I never thought you have to spend a lot to get 85-95% of what the very best can do. Also for me, upgraded power cords in all my other pieces have made a nice improvement across the board.