To answer MikeSingers questions, I can't use the Audioquest Hawk with the PS Audio Ultralink because it doesn't have balanced digital inputs. For power cords I use the Zu Bok on all units, and a Monster Stage 2 power conditioner. I am in New York City so I'm sure there are tons of dealers but I don't know any right now. I didn't know you could take a setup to a dealer for AB testing. If you know of any leads that would be great as also. I was thinking that maybe the Audioquest Hawk was flattening out the signal before it got to the Lens so maybe I should just buy another Oracle. I haven't heard Nordost Valhalla, but I've heard that the Oracle outperforms it by far and is one of the best out there. As for dacs, I'm pretty sure a better DAC would improve the sound also, but there is such a big difference in overall quality with the DAC I have when the Oracle runs straight to the transport. If I get a new DAC, surely it would still exhibit the same degree of clarity change that I see from the Oracle/Lens/Hawk/Meridian combo to the Oracle/Meridian combo. The Lens does have the added 3 dimensionality and warmth that I like but currently at the cost of more clarity and detail.
Upgrade transport and lose Genesis Lens?
I currently have a Meridian 500 transport/Audioquest Hawk Balanced Digital Cable/Genesis Digital Lens/MIT Oracle Digital Cable/PS Audio Ultralink DAC. I noticed that when I took out the MIT Oracle cable from the Lens and connected it straight to the transport I got a huge boost in clarity. The sound was so much more cleaner and the pace was a lot faster. I was thinking is that because the Audioquest isn't up to par with the Oracle, should I just get another Oracle to get back that detail or would it be better to sell the Meridian/Audioquest/Genesis and get a new transport. I would probably have about 2,000 to spend on a used transport.
Thanks
Thanks
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- 12 posts total
- 12 posts total