Thanks for keeping the information flowing! This thread had gone quiet for a few days & I was afraid it was going to wither on the vine.
For my next questions: I'll need to prioritize the step up procedure - get one thing & then wait awhile to build up more funds before going to the next step. In your opinions, what will give the biggest jump in sound quality - getting the iUSB first or a cable first? And if the cable would be first, would using the adapter that comes between the cable & the micro's USB input negate the advantage of the new cable to start with?
As far as my present setup: with the Micro I'm using the factory USB cable & a set of generic IC's. With the AUNE T1 I'm using a Belkin USB cable & a pair of entry-level Morrow IC's. I don't know what the Morrows are made of, silver or copper, but do know they're solid core as opposed to stranded. I figure everything kind of equals out, the Micro having the better USB & the AUNE having the better IC's. But I'm ready to take a first step upwards - just wondering which would be the best option. Thanks.
Once again, you're more then welcome.
And I can only speak for myself in saying I feel this thread could go on for sometimes now, if others were more willing to share their experiences here as opposed to having to venture over to Computer Audiophile or Head - Fi where it seems these products are more readily discussed.
Yet, know that I've used both the iDSD DAC with and without the iUSB Power Supply and find that I'm able to enjoy it either way, so if pressed........., I'd say that a USB cable is certainly able to enhance the overall sound of ones system enough and allows for said time to prioritize ones items to add afterwards - said Belkin USB and Morrow ICs are decent for someone new to the game, yet once your taste evolves ( and it shall ) you'll begin to realize that for a few coins more here or there, you can achieve an even better balance sound wise, as we tend to compromise at times due to budget restrictions, and very seldom take into account that if said cables are chosen wisely off the bat, one is more likely to have them for years to come - whereas if one was to spend on say 4 different ICs that retail for $150 each, then investing that same $600 on a superior IC that best fits into once concept of systematically altering the sonics of said system towards a more structured whole, then and only then does it become clear that buying wise off the bat can prove more then worthwhile - case in point Byron was forced to buy cables in the length needed for his system that retail for $950, but if one takes into account the total amount invested into their systems then it becomes the next logical step not to be cheap where it counts most, and it's the cabling that once again brings it all together if chosen collectly - the other parts aren't going anywhere, so can be added at a later date - in this sense one enhances things where it counts - at the Source.
Others might feel differently about said approach - but what good is having all the parts in place, yet can't hear what they're capable of because of limitations elsewhere?, hence my sense of practicality if you will.
Said WW Starlight USB in tandem with the Alphacore/Goertz TQ 2 that cost more or less around $289 retail will have you smiling ear to ear like the Joker from the original Batman series, and not the one from a few years ago........., whom smile was way to eerie for me, and being a Sci-Fi buff........, that grin bothered the hell out of me.
Small investments for the sake of purity and/or a more balanced whole is more then worthy of ones/your attention to the little, yet important factors like the right flavor in cables - be bold here and venture outwards, once again you can thank me later as I speak on what I consider as the " Truth ", lest you wish to challenge me on these areas where I've ventured more then most, and less then very few.
Cables count............, get it wrong here and nothing else matters.
Open thou mind to growth, and as Spike Lee once said " Do the right thing ".
Peace,
scar
