To answer one of questions about where do you first put a powercord on the Dac or Transport in the majority of systems the transport has a much larger effect than the Dac.
But as with everything in Audio there is no absolute. We have found a few rare cases where the Dac has a larger effect.
A powercord greatly improves the effects of a line conditioner.
Shunyata Research has just come out with the best Audiophile powercord that I have ever heard under $200 the Diamond Back at a retail price of $150. Having said that let me also state that I am a Shunyata dealer. But I have just finished listening to them for over a week and they are very good. Better than I expected them to be at the price point.
Also, do not be surprised, as have so many Audiophiles' before you, that once you experience the effects of upgraded powercords in your system that suddenly your budget will rise.
Good luck you are in for a surprising experience.
But as with everything in Audio there is no absolute. We have found a few rare cases where the Dac has a larger effect.
A powercord greatly improves the effects of a line conditioner.
Shunyata Research has just come out with the best Audiophile powercord that I have ever heard under $200 the Diamond Back at a retail price of $150. Having said that let me also state that I am a Shunyata dealer. But I have just finished listening to them for over a week and they are very good. Better than I expected them to be at the price point.
Also, do not be surprised, as have so many Audiophiles' before you, that once you experience the effects of upgraded powercords in your system that suddenly your budget will rise.
Good luck you are in for a surprising experience.