Thanks all. The DAC in question (see my OP) is the SW1X III Balanced. I started out with a dedicated S/PDIF that came with BNC's but also came with BNC-RCA adaptors. My Aurender W20 offers both BNC and RCA outs among others. So I used the BNC out from the Aurender. I had to use the adaptor for the DAC since it only has an RCA input. I choose not to ID the cable maker but the cable is highly regarded though modestly priced (under $400) but in this particular application sounded dull and lifeless.
Then, out of frustration, I pulled a 2M Analysis Plus Silver Apex RCA IC from somewhere else in my system to try. You would never believe that a simple cable swap could make so much difference. It was like the sun came out on a crappy day. Every audio descriptor or so-called attribute came out from hiding and I have been smiling ear to ear for 48 hours since the swap. Now I have ordered a custom made 1.5M S/PDIF using the Silver Apex conductor and construction from Analysis Plus. When I inquired of AP, I was told the IC would approximate but not duplicate the performance of the S/PDIF version and that it would NOT simply be a single run of Silver Apex IC. It cost me just under $800 for the single cable.
If anyone here is interested, I will report back. Auxinput's input (pun) has me thinking I should have ordered 2M. Oh well.
Then, out of frustration, I pulled a 2M Analysis Plus Silver Apex RCA IC from somewhere else in my system to try. You would never believe that a simple cable swap could make so much difference. It was like the sun came out on a crappy day. Every audio descriptor or so-called attribute came out from hiding and I have been smiling ear to ear for 48 hours since the swap. Now I have ordered a custom made 1.5M S/PDIF using the Silver Apex conductor and construction from Analysis Plus. When I inquired of AP, I was told the IC would approximate but not duplicate the performance of the S/PDIF version and that it would NOT simply be a single run of Silver Apex IC. It cost me just under $800 for the single cable.
If anyone here is interested, I will report back. Auxinput's input (pun) has me thinking I should have ordered 2M. Oh well.