@lalitk , 100%, I am very interested in all of the avenues we could choose to take with the products that I am choosing to spend some time to experience, even if I’m not planning to charge ahead and follow these paths. You and others on this thread obviously have a lot of knowledge and experience, not only on gear but the approach.
For me my time with the N20 has taught me more about me I think, than about the N20 itself. It taught me where my sonic priorities are, even when other presentations can be very alluring. I know I might “get there” following the path you have charted, but, I want to see which server takes me the furthest without going those extra steps. And to see what the external DAC can do. Not to mention that I prefer a simpler system, lol…
It was @ghasley who convinced me to try a good standalone DAC, as of course, I care about the sound of my system. But, I’m hoping it’s nothing but a learning experience and I get to sell my Merason after my time with it. I will however accept that my digital chain needs to include three boxes, as it is today (with my network switch, server and reclocker as it stands today), if the Merason wins.
I can even see a possible end to this particular journey being that I circle back to Innuos in the end - if I do I will go with the Statement. The difference with my N20 and my current Innuos setup has me wondering if there is some magic happening with my Diablo DAC module and the PhoenixUSB reclocker (which the Statement includes). Hoping when it arrives the MU1 will either confirm this, or it will be the one I prefer, but either way ideally without the Merason!
That said, I want to give the Merason the best chance I can. What are people using for XLR interconnects at this level?