Doug Schroeder Method, Double ic

budburma, congratulations on your success! You have a lot more fun to come. Many permutations and discoveries await you if you desire to explore further.  I simply cannot go back to single IC for any appreciable time, as it is paltry. What was considered by the industry to be very good sound (single IC) is now mediocre, imo. 

Well, there's a bold statement! 

I can say the the improvement is remarkable in 'realism' for me and in all realms of sonic descriptors and segments. All the qualities I love about the GG Rapture are amplified as if on steroids.
 
It's also true that I was using a $200 IC (used price) which I really liked quite a bit. The SM with 2 of them and the y-splitters is a large step up; it should be acknowledged that it's now almost 3x the price. BUT, it's definitely sounds to be outstripping the law of diminishing returns!

The quality of Y splitters makes a difference....

Budburmas post bring up a question I have.  I have maxed out my wire budget on a pair of Wireworld Equinox Silver Eclipses’ (MSRP $700). Is the suggestion that a pair of “lesser” $300 ICs plus splitter a “better sounding” solution?  

As as an aside, Doug, I’ve stumbled on an excellent sounding system that’s been inspired by your write up of the Exogal comet.  Home-brewed Roon Server, USB to an Exogal Comet, Singled ended IC’s to a pair of Quicksilver Mid Monos driving a pair of Audio Note AN E’s.  

I was planning on building a Raspberry Pi ROON Endpoint, but I’ve decided to wait until I can hear the Exogal Vortex.  I’m hoping there’s one in your review queue.  

Markhh2, in answer to your first question, yes. I think that sort of result would be typical of Schroeder Method ICs.

You will want to read my just published Audio Blast regarding the HyperDrive upgrade for EXOGAL Ion at Dagogo.com 

There is a LOT more where the Comet came from. Much more than you think possible.