Hi Kuoppis,
I got the 2K version (definitely recommend it for the oomph you need for more demanding HPs). In addition I added the separate HDPLEX PSU Duke recommended (power supplied via a Audio Tekne power cable), which was a very nice addition. I then went futher and added a Shunyata Hydra 2 with a Venom 3 HD power cable.
I am very pleased that the HD-Plex Linear PSU worked for you.
For me, it was one of those low cost tweaks (even lower now, I think HD-Plex has them for a pre-order discounted to $285 ... oops, I fear that I am starting to sound a bit like
a shill, though it was just such a pleasant surprise, which is why I was so enthusiastic about it ... and still am
I too went further by making a DIY Oyaide/Furutech power cord into a Balanced Power supply to supply the HD-Plex Linear PSU.
By the way, have you seen this Youtube video ... at the 3minute 30 second mark, Wang mentions something like (and I'm paraphrasing here)
"This is our supplied power supply, you can use our stock one ...though If you want better sound quality you can buy an upgrade one ... that is pretty good"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2aIb-iZMLc
Getting a Linear PSU also seems to be popular with people getting the Chord Qute (and other DAC's which utlise a DC power input), to further improve the sound quality of there gear.
In my setup however (pls see my profile for the full chain), the HD800 sounds just absolutely awesome with brilliant highs, the unrivalled HD800 soundstage and a solid, very deep bass with wonderful timbre overall. I have altered the Senns though with a Cardas HP cord from Charleston Cable and am also using a Cardas Clear USB.
Thanks for giving feedback on how the HD800 pairs with the Auralic Gemini 2000.
I personally appreciate it ... as I would like to get another HP later this year and the HD800 , along with the LCD-X is on the short wish list.
I love the Audeze sound ... I also think the HD800 is a wonderful top reference HP ...though it is known for being very picky on what DAC/AMP combo it is attached to,
so it is great to hear that it match's so well with the Auralic Gemini 2000.
Since we first spoke, I have listened to you and decided to give aftermarket HP cable's another go ... I ended up with a Q Audio HP cable and am very pleased with it.
Also updated my USB cables with some iFi cables (see my sig).
Using my iPhone as a source, I find music just sounding wonderful thru this chain (betters my Oppo BDP-103 with linear power supply mod as a DLNA renderer).
Next tweak on the horizon is something called a USB Regen that I found out about on the Computer Audiophile website ... it
reclocks the USB Data signal
(while the Vaunix USB Hub really just takes care of the Power/Ground issues of USB connections). Anyway, I shall order it next week and it should arrive
late April. I am very excited about the USB Regen ... I think it could be a significant advance in improving USB playback, just like the development of Asynchronous USB was a significant development.
PS: Btw Duke, I upgraded my Magicos into larger Magicos, which I will receive in two weeks time.
You truly have superb gear and a very well thought out system for your speaker rig (from your posts and from our previous discussions) ... and at the reference level that you are at,
it is great praise for the Auralic Gemini 2000 that you enjoy it so much.
By the way, you were previously looking at a 2nd HP to attach to the Auralic Gemini 2000, have you made a selection or are you still looking ?