I do not use Transparent in my home theater. That is a whole different thing. It does not require the resolution of my audio system. They would not be worth it to me.
I think my preamp to amp run is around 16’.
My older components would not sound good with Ultra, I drove very revealing ribbon speakers with solid state gear. Transparent’s Schlick is transparency… passing on exactly what it gets…. You get no tuning. Today, I want to hear my components… there is nothing harsh or trebly about them.
Comparing them to Cardas which is always warm an calming… the lower the cost Cardas the more calming. Hence, why they are so popular… they cover up deficiencies. Transparent does not. Each level up is the same only lower noice floor, better dynamics, and bass.