Upgrade the preamp, no question. Unless your Monster is malfunctioning (and then I'd just unplug it), you're talking about a couple of levels upgrade on a component that every signal in your system runs through and which is most likely to interact even better with your amplifier than what you've got; while power conditioners/regenerators do make audible differences in a system, I have never heard one that would make a difference as big as what you're describing with respect to the preamp upgrade.
Upgrade recommendation. Richard Gray or Mcintosh.
Hi.. What should I upgrade first to get the biggest sonic improvement. I am considering upgrading my power conditioner from monster hts2000 to Richard Gray 1200 OR upgrade my Onkyo 919 (pre-amp)to the Mcintosh C42 pre-amp. your advice are greatly appreciated!
My current set up are:
B&W Nautilus 803
Mcintosh MC 352 - GREAT AMP
Rega planet 2000
MIT cables (shortgun through out)
My current set up are:
B&W Nautilus 803
Mcintosh MC 352 - GREAT AMP
Rega planet 2000
MIT cables (shortgun through out)