In my opinion, I find that my experience has taught me that it is best to start with as few components as possible in the audio chain. Keep all those trick components like tweaks and power accessories out of the equation to begin with. I cannot imagine a scientist doing an experiment starting with a complicated set of variables to start with. Also, I challenge myself to learn what my basic systems strengths and weaknesses are before I ad another piece . (even if I see a good deal on the 'gon) I just think that when you can hear the component changes quicker when you have less equipment in the way.
DON'T ever do this...
You know the feeling. Everything's going great. Your stereo sounds awesome, and you're happy. You're thinking, "wow, how could this be better?". Of course, that little thought starts the wheels churning...
You have a source, line stage, and amplifier. You are running two different IC's between them. You think "what if I swap the two to see how it sounds?"
Dum dum dum duuuuum...It's horrible! You've lost bass, fullness, voices are thin and sibilant.
Well, switch them back and everything will be alright, you say to yourself. You know you can't...you're thinking, one of the IC's is a "weak link"...you must purge it and try new cables again...AARRGH!
Anyone try Madrigal CZ Gel or XLO reference 4 IC's? Let me know.
"If it ain't broke..."
You have a source, line stage, and amplifier. You are running two different IC's between them. You think "what if I swap the two to see how it sounds?"
Dum dum dum duuuuum...It's horrible! You've lost bass, fullness, voices are thin and sibilant.
Well, switch them back and everything will be alright, you say to yourself. You know you can't...you're thinking, one of the IC's is a "weak link"...you must purge it and try new cables again...AARRGH!
Anyone try Madrigal CZ Gel or XLO reference 4 IC's? Let me know.
"If it ain't broke..."