Who's to blame for the Grain??

The only way to fully understand what a system "should" sound like is to listen to live music in a good accoustical setting. A rule of thumb - if the music is amplified in any way, it will have some degree of distortion / coloration. Good luck in the journey!!

Hey,,,,,,,,,,,,how's everyone doing.

First of all I want you guys to know that I have read every single post and I appreciate all of your feedback. And yes Gthirteen,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I'm on the verge of tossing everything out the window.

I'm kinda short on time right now but I will respond when I get home tonight.

Just wanted to drop a quick thank you.'

By the way,,,,,,,,,,,,I was almost convinced that an affordable tube pre-amp would solve my problem UNTIL LABTEC spoke about being patient! I know that's great advice but tell that to my ears who have to listen to this shit until my pockets get enough cash to upgrade. I'm determined to put together the ultimate giant killer budget system within the next 6 months.
(don't get me wrong labtec,,,,,,,,I really did read and appreciate your advice but I'm very, VERY impatient) My middle name is 'Learn The Hard Way'.

Anyway,,,,,,,,,,,,I'll back tonight.

Meech, Before you sell the farm-Try a PS Audioultimate outlet. 30 days money back.If you decide to start over,here are some ideas that may help.1.select speakers2.PS Audio P300 power plant (most profound change in sound quality)-used approx.600.003.PS Audio UO-use upstream of the P300 to isolate the digital source.4.power cord for amp.These are some of things that have worked for building the best system I could afford piece by piece. Tubes are great, just like children-as long as you do not mind the care & feeding required.$$$$$$$$$