Good afternoon to you. Thanks for your kind words.
@lak - The IC in that spot that was replaced was a Transparent Reference IC. It has been in that coveted spot within the rig for about a decade. In fact, all of my References are out of the system now, with one exception. That being the phono IC. It too, will be replaced as funds allow.
@denon1 - Since I did not do a direct comparison with the Signature IC and the new Snake River Audio Takshaka, I cannot comment.
I can say, with complete certainty that both the Takshaka IC's and PC's have "opened" up my system in ways that I didn't think was honestly possible. I thought it was damned good before but now, the depth, weight, height have all been vastly improved. Not just another flavor, a drastic improvement across the board.
I would say that the width has improved but honestly, the width simply disappeared. There seem to be no boundaries anymore when it comes to width, unless it is simply a bad or not so well mastered recording. The sound now just envelops the room, moving well beyond your ears and just filling the room with sound. This makes the speakers just disappear....even with your eyes wide open, you can clearly "see" and hear this.
There isn't much about the Takshaka's that are near any other IC or PC that I have ever had. With pretty much every aspect there is that one pays attention too while critically listening. The change was profound in my system and there is absolutely no strain needed to clearly and undeniably hear the differences. The sound is fluidly effortless and the tone of instruments (as well as singers) is flat out incredible and oh, so natural sounding.
As for your comment about extension? That could mean many things to many people. Are you referring to extension, as in a higher frequency offered or extension, as in sound stage extension? If you clarify for me, I can offer you a better answer, unless I already have.
Tom
