I recommend that you work the ends of the system first. Get a good source and good speakers then work on the amp/pre-amp. Work on the cables, interconnects and power cords last. If you have the cash or do not mind using OPM do the whole thing in one shot. If you are doing it piece by piece keep in mind that all of the links in the chain affect each other. Most important, let YOUR ears be the judge. Good Luck, Doug