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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?
meech33
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Sadly could be all of the above. I've heard grainy interconnects, speaker cables, power cords, CD playere, amplifiers, etc, etc, etc.
philefreak
416 posts
 
Ditch the CD changer for a good single disk player. That would be my first suggestion. Later on you can upgrade other pieces, but for now the player will help a lot.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The Sony pre is the WORST item currently in your system. If I had any money, that would be the first to be swapped out.
Plenty of choices available, The cheapest I would seek is a Hafler DH110, Used only, cost about $125 to $175. A nice preamp, budget priced ,and MILES better than that Sony.
Other folks will suggest other stuff... This is my recommendation. And maybe a line conditioner for all but the amp. (adcom ACE 515 or Monster 2000 at $110 used are about right for your budget.
bwyoung
140 posts
 
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).
bwyoung
140 posts
 
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 (new or used).
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