What are the correct priorities for system upgrades??

[Frank750]

How effective is Balanced Power ? Would like to hear from end users on how it helps .

I removed and sold a Shunyata Triton V2 and 3- Shunyata Typhons from my system after installation of a Torus 90A balanced panel. I left the Shunyata conditioners in the system for a good 8 months after the Torus install, even upgraded to a Triton V2 because I assumed more was better. One day a couple of months ago, on a whim, I started disconnecting the Shunyatas one at a time over the course of a couple of weeks and things kept getting better and better as I removed each additional box. Live and learn I guess, I removed $28,000 worth of conditioning and power cords and my system sounds considerably better for it. Not a negative regarding Shunyata by the way, I swore by them and they worked great for me. The Torus just rendered them unnecessary in my system and it has never sounded better.

 

[andromedaaudio]

Pre amp first
Room (speakermatch )
Speaker
poweramp
source digitally speaking , if analogue it goes straight up in second place , r2r then turntable






cables


PS if your power amp is underpowering the speakers then its obviously a wrong comparison from the start

 

[Barry2013]

I guess I am the only one that disagrees with this.

Sure, the speakers will make the biggest discernible difference, but if the sources are inferior, you will end up with an accurate representation of an inferior signal.

If the plan is to upgrade the entire system in question, over time, I believe the source is where to start.

You make some very valid points Simon.
In my experience it's not just a case of buying the best possible speakers or amplifiers you can afford to the exclusion of everything else in your system. Most people's resources are finite and it is sensible to constantly be evaluating how you can best improve the system overall. One high end component and the rest at budget level makes no sense, It is important in my view to try and do it in a balanced way to maximise the sound quality of your system. A more modest upgrade to the speakers can free resources to spend on an amplifier upgrade or whichever part of the system is your next prioity.
Power supply is so important and affects the whole of the system. Likewise Entreq grounding is likely to have similar benefits across the system.