Spkr, interconects, or power cable upgrade first?


Hello all,

Originally posted this in amps form mistakingly, apologies if you have read this already.
I am just looking for some advice on upgrading my 2 ch setup.

My system so far consist of Quad 22L2 speakers, YBA Design YA201 Integrated Amplifier, and a Musiland md10 USB DAC with HTPC for source. RCA's are cheap Radio shack gold plated set. My speaker wire is also a less expensive monster cable 12 ga running bi-wired. I am also running stock power cables to AMP and DAC.

So whats first to upgrade here? I'm in collage so on a budget so looking for best sound for buck.

Clint
ascr689s
Power cords first, but if you do decide to change interconnects & speaker cables. I also second Paul Speltz anti ic's preferably terminated with Eichmann bullet plugs. His anti cables are also hard to beat price & performance wise if you're on a budget.
Would highly recommend Audio Art Cable PCs - IMO you will hear a difference at a moderate price
Power cords first. Better power delivery results in better sound from the source on down through the signal chain.
Not arguing with those advocating addressing power cords first. I do suspect benefits of the change will depend on which (PC, IC, SP) is the "weakest link" in the chain...that is, which is doing the most to limit or degrade signal generation or transfer. In my case, I doubt I'd have heard an improvement had I changed power cords prior to addressing speaker cables given their oxidized state. Maybe the generic answer is to change out that piece first that is furthest away from "state of the art" - or maybe make that furthest away from "best of the art" available with a specific budget.