Digital add ons-airlens, matrix spdif, Innuous Phoenix net, Phoenix usb

Thanks vonhelmholz.  I’ve spent the last 40 minutes trying to post my virtual system.  After figuring out the first several steps—which are far from intuitive—I keep getting “user can’t be blank” although it’s definitely not blank.  I realize this isn’t as good, but here’s my system:

KEF reference 5 speakers

krell Duo 175 XD amp

benchmark LA4 preamp

Audio Research  ph3 phono stage

innuous Zenith 3

PS Audio directstream 2 dac

matrix spdif

innuous Phoenix usb

rega Planar 6, dynavector cartridge

wireworld interconnects

Thanks for detailing your system, and that helps a lot.  And yes, as someone who recently posted their system A’gon definitely does not make it easy and should be made easier.  It’d also help if you could specify more what improvements you’re looking for.  You’ve got some nice equipment, and at this level it really comes down more to personal preferences, so sharing what you’re looking for becomes more important.  Just saying general things like I want “better” or “the best” doesn’t give much direction in making helpful recommendations.  The more info you provide here the better and more targeted recommendations you’ll get.  

I listen mainly to classical music.  I love string instruments, especially the cello,  with its dark, vibrant sounds. The Bach sonatas for solo cello are one of  my favorite tests of musical reproduction. On chamber and orchestral music, I like being able to identify individual instruments .  I also enjoy vocal music, primarily crystal clear sopranos.  I’m pretty happy with the sound of my system now. I realize all this doesn’t really describe what I’m missing or hoping to improve . As I said earlier, it’s the eternal quest for better sound, which sometimes is undefinable.  I will say that the instrument placement/id in my system isn’t as precise as I would like and I would like a little more “presence.”

I’m not familiar with Wireworld interconnects and not sure what speaker cables you’re using, but I’d experiment with buying some used Acoustic Zen interconnects and speaker cables as, in my experience, they excel in the qualities you seem to be looking for and if they don’t work out you can just turn around and sell them for little or no loss.  To me, they preserve detail along with the “meat on the bones” in the critical midrange while also being excellent at 3D imaging and soundstage.  They may provide the extra oomph you seem to be searching for and at very little risk if buying used.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 

Your system does seem to consist of a great set of components.  The most important change in my system involved power cords and conditioner.  I doubt that the AirLens would be an improvement, but you do have thirty days to return it.  Don’t be over sold on Pauls I2s marketing.  Your reclocking of USB makes your USB clock first rate.  In theory I2s can carry a clock from the streamer to the DAC, but this isn’t so with the PS Audio products.  Your USB is based upon a very stable clock, so I’m guessing the AirLens with a switching power supply..a good switching power supply.. will most likely not better your present setup, but listening is the only way to make sure.