Thanks gang for your perspectives and advice. I've since had the opportunity to audition both the Brahma and David Elrod's Sig 2 & 3. Moved them around quite a bit, but ultimately found the best point for the Brahma was on the Esoteric. I don't feel David's Sig 2 quite agreed w/ the Esoteric - though it throws a nice soundstage, it was otherwise a bit too warm for my tastes. The Sig 3 really agreed with my Simaudio w-5 however. This amp really sings even w/ its stock cord, but the Sig 3 just took it to a new level. Bet. the stock cord, TG Slvr, Shiva, and the Brahma on the Esoteric, the Brahma is indeed the best compromise. As the x-03se is inherently detail oriented, crystal in its presentation, and quite capable of throwing a huge soundstage, when mated with one of the Nordost cords, whose signature also seems to be one of crystal detail, its almost over the top. The Brahma brings out enough mids and bottom to offer a well-rounded sound. However, it just doesn't have the soundstage and depth I'm looking for - remains somewhat 2-dimensional in my system. The stock cord and the TG slvr are far better with soundstage, though clearly other shortcomings prevail. Soundisntmusic: Your suggestions and observations are most helpful - thank you. I'm particularly intrigued with the A/B your currently doing bet. the Shunyata Anaconda and the TA ref mm. Seen sim. comments on the PAD pcs, though perhaps a bit out of my pre-owned range (roughly $400-800). Trying to gather enough research to give Paul a call at Used Cable and audition others from their library.