When trying to fix multiple problems on your upgrade path I've heard many say, and I agree, begin with your source. I agree with Philefreak. Start with a good CD player (used or new).
Who's to blame for the Grain??
I have a very very entry level system that I upgrading piece by piece. What I've noticed is that when I listen to music with vocals, there's a grainy texture to everyones voice. I don't hear that smoothness that I've heard from systems out the hi-end shops. I was curious whether there was a specific part of the chain that can cure the GRAIN. Is it interconnects, pre-amp, power amp, speaker cables or source. I am not using a power cord or a power conditioner,,,,,,,,,,,could this be the cause?