I have my IFI Zen Streamer connected to the x26pro DAC ( with ock2 - sine wave ). The ock2 improves the sound a bit. For maximum Ock2 effect, I connect my PC to the U18 - i2s to the x26pro. Both the U18 and x26pro are connected to the ock2 sine wave. To my ears, the sound improvements are...

Currently using the Meze silver plated upgrade cable. It provides slightly more clarity than stock cable and is much easier to manage as it is very flexible. Relatively affordable too at 129usd. https://mezeaudio.com/products/99-series-silver-plated-upgrade-cables?variant=31315944669241

Got to measure with your ears too. In this age with Amazon's and eBay's generous return policy, you can try alot of audio gear and not commit to the item if you deem it to be snake oil / scam.

The Gustard U18 DDC in my system has galvanic isolation which makes a positive difference. With the He1000se, I can definitely hear a different sound signature from the regular Supra hi speed, Supra Excalibur and the Oyaide class A usb cable. I can also hear the difference in headphone...

Just received the Supra Excalibur today and without burn-in it is superior sounding to the standard high-speed version. Higher clarity, a tad faster, and more air around the soundstage and background instruments. The standard Supra cable sounds warmer/analog though.

After reading old threads on this site about Self Powered USB hubs being effective at reducing PC noise, I plugged an Aceele self powered USB hub into my PC's root USB port and powered the usb hub with a 5v LPS then connected to the Gustard U18. To my surprise, it actually made a slight sound...

A warmer DAC will definitely help tame the He1000se treble. The He1000se is very transparent, I found adding the IFI Defender 3 USB with a 5v Linear Power Supply into my PC plus adding a DDC noticeably helped smooth out the sound and treble. Someone from a different thread stated, that too much...

The IFI USB Defender replaces the PCs usb power output with a 5V LPS for a cleaner audio signal chain.

I read from your previous post you are using a Musician Pegasus so I am unsure of the synergy between that DAC and the Ock2. Can only share from experience that the Gustard x26pro has very good synergy with the U18 and ock2. Both the X26pro and U18 is connected with the OCk2's square wave...

I think it depends on your system and how transparent your headphones/speakers are. The differences are there in my system. (Gustard x26pro to U18 to Ock2 to soloist 3xp to He 1000). More sound separation, the vocalist is more focused, basically a slight soundstage improvement. If you are using...

Although the power amp mode does increase a bit of depth, add warmness and sound fuller, it completely collapses the Hekse's airy soundstage. Low gain collapses the soundstage with the Hekse as well. According to my ears, the Hekse synergies best with regular Medium gain. The synergy between...

Shouldn't the recommendation be MJ3?

I think for potential buyers of the MJ3, WaveTheory's suggestion of a V281 if purchased in the used market at ~1300usd if / when available is a dilemma.

It is confusing because of the huge variance in reviews. From giant killer / equal to ~3k amp ( Burson Soloist GT ) to trading blows with a Burson Soloist 3xp around the same price range. Although everyone has stated it is at least awesome for its price, which is a good sign. Could be a...

Helpful review. Thank you WaveTheory for letting me know the Violectric V281 is what I need to pair with my He1000se.