Hello all!
Well, after a handful of months, it feels like I've made huge progress in my system-refining journey.
The most recent upgrades are: the aforementioned Cardas Beyond Power cable, which I'm using on my AHB2 amplifier, now utilizing a Cardas 4181 duplex outlet, on the 10 AWG, isolated ground, dedicated 20A line.
I've added an Audioquest Tornado pc to the PS Audio Duet, which supplies power for the Lumin U2 streamer, the Benchmark DAC3 HGC -- and the newest component addition -- a Benchmark HPA4 preamp. (I also demoed an ARC LS16, which I liked quite well. It was a close battle, but I've decided to stick with the Benchmark. It performs very well, and has advantages in connectivity and synergy with the rest of the Benchmark 'stack')
After extensive listening and running in, I've decided to keep my Cardas Golden Ref XLRs, running from the DAC to the HPA4. And I've added a set of Neotech MKI XLRs from the HPA4 to the AHB2. After testing many combinations, including the Neotech MKIIIs (which have 20% silver), I've found the Gold Ref/Neotech MKI combo to be the most musical, pleasing in my system.
The most recent tweak has been moving to an Audioquest Diamond USB cable (up the line from the AQ Coffee USB I've had for years). The soundstage and detail with the Diamond seems much improved, with a greater sense of clarity. I'm also about to receive a Wireworld Platinum Starlight 8 USB cable, which I'll compare to the AQ Diamond, before choosing one or the other.
As of this writing, the only remaining upgrade on my list is the stock PCs on the streamer, DAC & preamp. I'm watching the used market, and hoping to keep the cable length down to 1M, to reduce cable clutter. If anyone has recommendations for source PCs, I'd love to hear them. I'm looking to spend max $1K USD for the three cords, ideally.
The system is sounding really great, and refined, to my ears. I'm enjoying it very much. And I'm very grateful for all the advice I've received in this thread, particularly regarding improving the power equation of the system. It's made a huge impact...one that I would never have predicted.
It's hard to believe that I could be almost done building my system, at least, for now. Lots of music to enjoy now, until the next bout of upgraditis! :-)
Best, JAMES.