Thanks again Frederick. You're right, trusting our own ears goes along way toward cutting through the hype. I've used Nordost cables for years moving up through their line with a number of different systems and find them to be very neutral, i.e, not seeming to impart much if any, particular personality or colouration to the sound. That said, just passed the 200 hr or so point with the NCSE and has really begun to settle in and sounds great, so I don't think I'll be looking to change cables anytime soon. BTW, I don't believe in the last twenty plus years of being seriously involved with this hobby have I ever come across a component that was as responsive to a break-in period as the NCSE. Thanks again