“… I’m not affiliated in any way with fo.Q or any other audio product, and you can take my word for that…”
Ok, I’d take your word for that… but why are you fiercely defending this magic tape if you’re not affiliated?
As you’re probably already aware there is so much dishonesty going on in this so called “high-end” audio world… magic stones/pebbles/wood/tapes/mats (from PerfecPathTech) and more. Mr. Einstein came up with his theory of relativity about 100 years ago and defined the space-time continuum and gravity. The point is that everything in the theory plays out within the laws of physics. Actually you can understand the special theory, probably except for the Lorentz transformation which requires higher level math skills. It will certainly make you cry.
However, these magic things do not. Nothing but snake oil. I know that Furutech makes expensive connectors/ac receptacle/other components. I’d call it BS. You can definitely get same (or very very close) sound quality using cheaper components from Taiwan or elsewhere. You must be a highly trained music professional like Leonard Bernstein to tell any difference in sound quality between those using Furutech components and those using much cheaper Taiwanese ones. So do not waste money if you’re not Jeff Bezos.
If you have enough money to spend…
1. Upgrade your DAC
2. Get a good preamp from those venerable audio brands
like Pass, Krell, Levinson, Accuphase. Will last a century.
3. Of course, nice amps and speakers
And these are all DIY projects.
1. Proper speaker placement - $0.00.
2. Room treatment – Go to Walmart/Homedepot/JoAnn’s to get materials. It’s fun to make it yourself.
3. Replace the circuit breaker (if it’s a 15 amp) with a 20 amp one for the power amp. Go find some video tutorials on Youtube.
4. Replace the AC receptacles with hospital grade 20A receptacles. This doesn’t improve the sound but I like the tightness. You can find nice ones on ebay/amazon $10 each.
5. But never spend $$$ on power cables or conditioners. Again, SNAKE OIL.