Hi Everyone -
Firstly, want to thank everyone for your replies. This is such a funny hobby… incredibly gratifying, but I’m afraid it taps into a certain sense of obsessiveness which isn’t my default approach to life.
As I’ve changed my system over the last few years, I’m not sure if I needed a psychologist or audio professionals help. It can sort of drive one a bit bananas!
I will say this, I made a minor tweak (adjusting audio to 100% on the Innuos device and driving volume exclusively with the LTA preamp volume control. I also swapped out “the Five” power cable and replaced it with a spare Cardas Clear power cable from my office system.
Is it the power of suggestion? Things settling? I don’t know. That said, things are sounding really good again. I have realized my room acoustics are playing a role in things. The space is a fairly big room with hardwood floors and a high ceiling. I tried putting some rugs down in front of the speakers and immediately realized some of the energy I was hearing was probably coming from hard surface reflections.
In sum, the 2.6 Innuos update is a big upgrade - definitely more resolving and transparent.
I like to respond to everyone who has posted fully, but just out the door to walk the dog with my wife… I will respond tomorrow to everyone’s individual questions and suggestions!
For the moment, will quickly respond to a few…
@audphile1 - Yes. That is my current system. I have not yet tried the QLN speakers since the firmware update. They are more relaxed than the Dynaudios, so it will be interesting to see how they differ. I may also just reset all the electronics per your advice but things are sounding good now.
It’s crazy, but I swear replacing “the Five” power cable with the Cardas Clear made an audible difference. I think I’ll try switching out the LessLoss cable on the Dac next.
@mgrif104 - I’d be curious about your asking price for the Network Acoustics and English Electric switch you have sitting around. Please feel free to send me a private message if you are interested in selling.