@stuartk congrats! I believe we’re on the right track to solving your problem. The AZ Absolute Copper are excellent interconnects.
I approve of this statement 😁
Don’t think this question came up: Is the Aqua sensitive to power cables? which one is on it? I know audphile1 mentioned a cable on the amp, but I know in my brief time with my iec ported DAC it can be sensitive to the power cord, and I can see it being a little too energetic with a poor match.
Also something to consider regarding AZ Absolute’s - My understanding is Mr. Lee has tweaked these from time to time, but doesn’t remark them as "mk II, mk III" or rename them in any way- he just implements the new change (for the better one can assume) as he sees fit, so one doesn’t feel like their cables are obsolete. The changes should be minor of course, but I am thinking a latest version set may not be as dark as the one’s you had? Following thread with interest. 😉