Current system:
-Node 130 with Teddy Pardo LPS
-Small Green optical isolation bundle to clean up ethernet cable feed
-bluejeans ethernet cable from TP-Link wifi extender
-Monosaudio HiFi 12 AWG PC cable for Teddy Pardo
-Shunyata venom 14 PC for optical isolation bundle LPS
-Curious USB cable from Node to Gustard X26 PRO Dac
-Wyred4sound ST Stage 2 preamp
-Audio envy XLR/AES cables from Gustard to preamp
One of the reason for the Gustard is its excellent array of connections with I2s working perfectly with my Jay's cdt2-mk3 CD transport using the Tubulus Argentus I2s cable.
What I am always after is value for the money. Never been about looks or brand names or what country it is made in. It has worked wonders for me. Instead of spending 75k on a streamer dac clock combo, I built my entire house of stereo for exactly that amount of money.
The listening room is really what takes the sound of any system to different levels. Many audiophiles are unable to pay attention to the listening room because of many understandable reasons or because they just simply choose to ignore it. Trying to attain a sound that will truly satisfy someone with equipment alone is what will force them to buy equipment in the 6 digits category but unfortunately for them, it will never reach its full potential.
You can see my full system if you click on my handle and click on details. I got about 50k in equipment total and in the house of stereo it is the best my ears have ever heard and not by a small margin.
Enjoy the journey and happy SB day.