My opinion is that we can waist time and money trying to chase the "latest and greatest upgrades" when what we should focus on is what specifically is it about the sound that we have NOW - what do we like and what do we dislike. To try to "cure" what we dislike is a more fruitful pursuit than trying to find something "new".
If the sound is harsh then we need to look at the solid state side of the equation. What is causing the harshness. Is it digital side or the analog side or a combo of both? I'm not saying that it is easy to find the answer to that, but when we look for a piece of equipment to improve that side of the equation then we need to stay focused on the goal. In the case of harshness, I think that a person can substitute various front ends and see if there is any real change. If not then try the amp. Sometimes they are both wrong. Sometimes its the speakers and cables, but I feel they do largely what they are told (the old GIGO adage). Speakers can be tweaked but first you have to get the front end and amplification right. I'm sure some will differ with this approach, but I have saved tones of money by looking at the simple solutions instead of constantly selling my stuff off at a %50 loss on ebay etc. I still have a 8 yr old MSB Link DAC lll that I probably will never sell because it does so much right! I use it as part of my "reference" equipment if and when I get the itch to replace a piece of equipment (especially a DAC). Even though I'm not using the MSB now, any DAC that I consider buying will have to blow away the MSB! enjoy -- earwaxer ------------------------------------------------------------------------ earwaxer's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32040 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=65907 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
