Hey @ozzy hey @tksteingraber
Did a bit of quick testing, pulling the SL out of the chain...and I gotta say, while there was a tad more treble, I did miss what the SL brings to the soundstage, and the musicality of my system. Just gives more weight to the music. More engagement. A little more outside the speakers.
That said, I have been experimenting with trying to find a Ethernet/Fibre convertor to replace my old Cisco 2960 switch, and tonight's testing reminded me that, like all things in audiophilia, component synergy plays a big part. How does this relate to the SL/treble question?
While I was using a cheap FMC box (albeit with a good LPS), I did think the SL softened the treble a bit. But when I replace that FMC with a different one, the presentation was a bit brighter again (perhaps taking a touch of slam with it...not sure). But the exercise reminded me that it really is a matter of finding balance between all the links in the chain -- at least, a balance that sounds good to my ears.
With that in mind, I'm going to live with the new FMC awhile, and see if it stays in the system. And, I'm going to live with it while I do more research into 'the best FMC', haha. Of course, the obsession continues!
Best, JAMES.