I own an Antipodes DX3/Curious USBcable/MakuaDAC/Acrolink $2k balanced IC/Electocompaniet AW250R power amp/ Gauder Berlina RC7 speakers. I auditioned for 2 years before buying the Makua.
Like Ron I wanted less boxes. The Makua replaced a Weiss DAC202 and Tortuga passive balanced preamp. The Tortuga had blown off a couple of $20k active preamps and I found the Makua was even more transparent and involving than the Tortuga.
The interconnects unfortunately make a big difference and I have found a $5k pair of Acrolinks that are better than my existing $2k ones. I prefer to spend less, and let my ears do the deciding.
I have not tried different power cords on the Makua but had in the past found a bigger impact on the power amp than the Weiss DAC. I use Acrolink power cords which replaced Oyaide Tunami power cords.
Like Ron I wanted less boxes. The Makua replaced a Weiss DAC202 and Tortuga passive balanced preamp. The Tortuga had blown off a couple of $20k active preamps and I found the Makua was even more transparent and involving than the Tortuga.
The interconnects unfortunately make a big difference and I have found a $5k pair of Acrolinks that are better than my existing $2k ones. I prefer to spend less, and let my ears do the deciding.
I have not tried different power cords on the Makua but had in the past found a bigger impact on the power amp than the Weiss DAC. I use Acrolink power cords which replaced Oyaide Tunami power cords.