Here’s some impressions adding the LHYUIP (+OCK2) in front of the Phoenix:
- cavernous soundstage depth with extended decay, amazing layering and instrument placement.. so much space between soundstage elements
- Very busy multilayered music sections are a little more coherent, easier to follow the threads/laterals
- Electronic music bass notes’ leading edges hit like a hammer, but still nicely textured, a little less of the Phoenix’s default generous bass quantity and warmth
- Remarkable resolution, speed and dynamic agility
- The extra precision means more delicacy and fine texture in vocals, if a touch less warmth and body, but still good relatively speaking
Removing the OCK-2 and running off the UIP (INT) the sound smooths over a fair bit, a touch warmer, bass more generous and flowing with less absolute command and speed, less dynamic weight and scale. Soundstage less expansive, closer to Phoenix alone. Vocals smoother/fuller so more forgiving with less than perfect recordings - the one area I’m not sure about with the EXT clocked UIP as definitely a touch leaner than the super lush baseline of the Phoenix.
OK, after adding back the OCK-2 to confirm the above impressions then removing the UIP entirely and listening to the Phoenix alone impressions - vocals definitely sweeter and more palpable than even the UIP (INT), a lovely effortless flow if a less obviously layered soundstage or as much dynamic scale. Hmm confusing… darn, far from clear cut.
More listening required I guess..