Not too much to add for now. Like everything else, the results are also dependent on the other gear being used. Right now my set-up is the Curious 0.8M cable from the Antipodes DX into the W4S Recovery, then the Curious Regen link (short USB) cable into my Metrum Pavane. With the SMc upgraded McCormack DNA-2 LAE amplifier this is the best-sounding combination. With my Acoustic Imagery Atsah 1200 monos, I think it sounds a little better if I substitute the Totaldac USB cable for the Curious cable. Regardless of the amp or USB cable,
For now, I seem to like the W4S Recovery a touch better than the Regen.
As a gross generalization, the Curious USB cable seems more about body, fullness and weight while the Totaldac USB seems more about energy, clarity and tone. However, each of them provide all the listed characteristics, to some degree. I can certainly understand how those running computer (laptop or Mac mini) sources would like the Curious cables, which may overcome some edginess. IMO, both of the mentioned USB cables are good and like most of this stuff, there is no clear all-the-time "winner," at least in my system.
As a gross generalization, the Curious USB cable seems more about body, fullness and weight while the Totaldac USB seems more about energy, clarity and tone. However, each of them provide all the listed characteristics, to some degree. I can certainly understand how those running computer (laptop or Mac mini) sources would like the Curious cables, which may overcome some edginess. IMO, both of the mentioned USB cables are good and like most of this stuff, there is no clear all-the-time "winner," at least in my system.