Under $10k and the lower the better unless there's a marked improvement. I'm willing to spend if it's really worth it.

Not sure - it tends to be a moving target. Lol.

I'm streaming Qobuz. Any recommendation on a streamer?

How do you suggest I fix the PC issue? Does that mean streamer, usb reclocker, or something else? I'm going to address the usb for sure, just not sure the best way to handle the PC.

Is the general recommendation that I shouldn't notice much difference or that there's a possible weak link in my system? The only thing left I can think of is buying a streamer, but I don't want to unless it's going to make a significant impact. Also, is there any reason the Susvara sounds a...

This was the shocking part. The HEKSE in system 1 and 2 were both very, very similar. I honestly can't comprehend this - all that money and gear must make some difference? I listened to System 1 for the better part of 3 days while I worked and never once felt like I was missing something from...

The 2 headphones do sound different, but the System 2 doesn't sound better than System 1. I thought that would be impossible. I thought about the PC as a source being the weak link, but I've told my wife over and over again - just another $10,000 and it will sound great. That line is...

Also forgot to mention, System 1 has standard tubes and System 2 has upgraded KR tubes. And...my wife, in a blind test, definitely prefers my Johnnie Walker Blue to Black. And Macallan 25 to 12. Some things should be self evident. I would hope the dramatic price difference between these...

Forgot that part - it's a Burson Audio DAC about 10 years old? It's a bit buried at the moment so can't check the model, but I remember paying about $1,000 for it new.

So this past weekend I did a direct comparison of my new system and my old one. System 1: PC > Qobuz > standard USB > Woo Audio WA5-LE > Hifiman HE1000se with standard cord System 2 (new): PC > Qobuz > AudioQuest Carbon USB > Chord M Scaler > Dual SilverDragon BNC > Chord Hugo TT2 > AudioQuest...

Step 9: no sound when OP SR is red - TT2 message "x IP". Static when blue or white. Step 12: no sound when OP SR is red - TT2 message "x IP". Static when blue or white. Step 15: no sound when OP SR is red - TT2 message "x IP". Static when blue or white. Step 18: no sound when OP SR is red -...

Jawed - thanks for taking the time to write out step by step a diagnosis process. Really amazing.

In step 6, when I set OP SR to red the music stops playing. The TT2 displays "x IP" once red is selected. It only plays music when OP SR is set to blue or white. I hear static in all listening situations as described above.

DBNC

Confirmed correct setup. Tried optical too. Still static. Also, the TT2 says it's only scaling up to 176.4 - is this correct? I thought it would scale to 768 using DBNC. Appreciate all the help!