Others will confirm or correct but my understanding is that DSD is bit perfect and cannot be EQ'd.

I did a straight swap, back and forth in real time and honestly, I was genuinely surprised at the difference. I don't understand why you value what you've read or been told over actual experience. Hey-ho, each to their own.

Then there's different materials that affect the sound - copper, silver, silver plated copper... To say that one cable performs exactly like another seems silly to me. Agreed about interconnects, which surprised me. I'm not sure if the Excalibur or my headphone cables made the most improvement...

Would it be a fact if you heard it with your own ears? From my experience and many others', the Excalibur sounds distinctly better than regular USB cables. Whether it's due to the materials used, the care taken to avoid EM radiation contaminating the signal, using gold connectors rather than...

If it was that cut and dried we wouldn't be having this conversation. If cables were incapable of changing the sound we would all be in agreement and only upgrade them for practical reasons. The fact is that in practice they DO affect the sound and the people who say they don't have never tried...

Indeed. I'll write to Null Audio and post their reply here.

This got me interested again so I thought I'd double-check my results with a fresh test. With nothing plugged into my S17 Pro the temperature is stable at 58-59 degrees. Using the Null Audio Epsilon cable with my HEKS, it sits happily at 59-60 degrees. Using the Null Audio Ethos MkV cable...

I found the main difference between 50ma and 100ma is that in 100ma mode the bass has a bit more weight and the sound is slightly warmer. 50ma feels a little more detailed and clean. That said, I can barely hear a differerence, it's more about the feel of the sound and how it affects me. I tend...

That's certainly not right, it sounds like a hardware problem in your case then as mine stays at 59/60 C with no cable plugged in. Are you able to return it to the dealer you bought it from? You should get it checked out.

Agreed, it needs raising by at least 1/2 inch/1.2cm to allow better air flow underneath, but Erick Muller and myself did some testing earlier in the thread and came to the conclusion that the headphone cable makes a big difference too. Using my Null Audio cable the S17 stays at 59-60 degrees for...

Thanks, it's something I've been considering but I'm very happy with the HEKS as they are so no hurry to upgrade them, it just seemed like a good time to ask.

Is your operating system up to date? If so, a factory reset should sort you out but remember to take a backup and note any settings you changed first as it will wipe the device.

Since we're talking pads, is there any audible difference between the stock and Dekoni Elite Fenestrated sheepskin pads on the HEKS or are they for comfort/looks? Most people seem to talk about the Dekonis as the best alternative.

As you can see from my equipment, I'm mid-fi and a Hifiman fan so they're usually relevant to me and I like his style. Definitely not dissing the Tungstens, just nice to have someone I respect confirming my choice.

Ah, thanks, so a kind of synergy balance? Wow, trying to find the perfect combination must be an almost endless task, I admire your dedication. :)