Denafrips Ares DAC has arrived... need help with Oppo connectivity

Stforth,
I had Don Sachs upgrade all my Harman Kardon Citation gear (I, II, and V), but his preamp is vastly better than the upgraded C-I.  Don is a genius with both his tube preamp, based on 6SN7 tubes, and his KT88-based amp.  In my experience, his tube gear gives one a glimpse of high-end sound at a fraction of the cost of major audio companies.   Send me a PM and I will be happy to chat with you about the preamp.  

I have fooled around with a boatload of modestly-priced cables, but really like the Cerious Technology graphene cables, followed by Silnote and Shunyata.   I could hear more difference in SQ swapping the various IC's and power cords than I have with the 4 DACs I have auditioned.  Cheers, Mark

@stfoth  

the Ares was the most "different" sounding from the others I've recently tried/owned. Not necessarily better or worse, but different.

Can you elaborate? How so? Thanks.

@whitestix   Perhaps try another source and then conduct the evaluation???

From the components you list in your system, I don't see the Oppo 103 at the same level. In my opinion, it appears to be an odd choice, again-- my opinion -- (BTW, I am a fan of Oppo) -- I mean, why leave Don Sachs' genius unrealized???