My experience is completely the opposite - I've owned both the R7 HE MK2 now have the WD Signature XLR. It is a much better DAC and there is nothing bright about it

As I think you know, Linn has used SMPSs in their amps and streamers for years which confirms that, done right, they are as good as, or better, than the best LPSs.

The R7HE mk2 has the regenerative power supply, the R8HE mk2 does not.

I believe he said that

I just noticed that. Guess I know where I'm getting mine from.

I had the switch in my system and was demoing an Innuous Statement and, later, the K50. In both cases, taking the switch out of my system down graded the sound more than adding either server. At that time I was using a SGC i7 server. I ended up getting the K50 after my SGC couldn't be upgraded...

I have the Pink Faun version of the S100 and experienced the same improvement in my system. Frankly, it made more of an impact than adding the K50 later on.

Hi- I'm thinking about purchasing an R7HE Mk2. I know that several of you work with Magna - has anyone been able to compare their modded version of the R7HE Mk2 vs a stock model? It doesn't cost that much, but I want to see if their description of improvements (below) are accurate. From Magna...

My JL Audio subs came with gloves like that

Yes, I've noticed deeper blacks with my black K50

Perhaps, but (hypothetically) if the price for a K50 goes up from $15K USD to $21K, that's a 40% increase, obviously more a more a supply chain issue than inflation.

While you'll pay some duty fees (maybe) by buying from a dealer in the US, if you order directly from Antipodes, you won't pay any more than the published price on their website - they pick up shipping fees, import fees, etc. That said, if street prices do start to creep up into the low twenty...

You won't get a deal buying direct, they only sell at MSRP. Better to go through a dealer.

If you don't think cable manufacturers haven't produced a "hi-fi" SPDIF cable, you haven't looked very hard. I happen to have one here from Transparent Audio that I'm not using. Guess I gots to put it up for sale.

Now now, telling someone to go somewhere else because you don't like what they are saying isn't a very mature way to act is it? And if Rob or John are bothered by comments by any of us, I don't think they need protection from people on this thread to make it stop. Frankly, I think @AndrewOld...