How to proceed?

@stuartk congrats! I believe we’re on the right track to solving your problem. The AZ Absolute Copper are excellent interconnects.

@stuartk congrats! I believe we’re on the right track to solving your problem. The AZ Absolute Copper are excellent interconnects.

I approve of this statement 😁

Don’t think this question came up: Is the Aqua sensitive to power cables? which one is on it? I know audphile1 mentioned a cable on the amp, but I know in my brief time with my iec ported DAC it can be sensitive to the power cord, and I can see it being a little too energetic with a poor match. 

Also something to consider regarding AZ Absolute’s - My understanding is Mr. Lee has tweaked these from time to time, but doesn’t remark them as "mk II, mk III" or rename them in any way- he just implements the new change (for the better one can assume) as he sees fit, so one doesn’t feel like their cables are obsolete. The changes should be minor of course, but I am thinking a latest version set may not be as dark as the one’s you had? Following thread with interest. 😉

Gustard r26 from Amazon store could be worth an experiment. The i2s input is really nice, but you need to confirm the pinout compatibility from your transport

I love my r26 so much (no sibilants,. but good clarity), I bought a second for my office system.

@audphile1 

I'm really looking forward to the time when I music-listening is no longer compromised by unnatural, unwelcome artifacts!

@mclinnguy 

I have La Voce S2, the first and warmest sounding version of this dac. 

I don't know whether it's particularly finicky re: power cords nor do I know which iteration of the Absolute Coppers I've bought.  The seller rated them "9- excellent" FWTW.  I actually wasn't aware that Mr. Lee continued to tweak them over time. 

@frl 

Thanks for your input. I'm aware that the Gustard has a strong following but to be honest the reviews I've read haven't triggered a desire to experience one for myself. Naturally, YMWV, according to synergy and personal taste. 

Don’t worry about the iterations of the Absolute Copper. I had an old original version and the latest. Sounded identical to me. The jackets were different.