I have had a SB2 and 3 for quite a while and currently have a heavily modded SB2 which has been placed in a large box to contain all the links in the chain ..... SB2 >>> Rak Dac II >>>> Burson Buffer. Linear power supplies. Anyhow, it sounds good so contributes to me being able to easily hear changes in firmware and also streaming from the PC as WAV or FLAC (I prefer WAV BTW). I am feeding the SB in a box using ethernet cable. However today I had some isolation devices (carbon graphite tune blocks) and spare audio grade power cords (VH Audio Flavour 4 and Audience Power Cords .... use Crystal Cable Reference for main system). I decided to throw the power cords on my PC (Shuttle mini-PC) and didn't expect much, but the change in Audio at the Squeezebox end was very noticeable. It sounds louder, more dynamic and it is too early to say if it is better or worse as the top end is a bit crisp (substitute appropriate audiophile word) for my liking. However the power cords have been sitting for a long time unused, so I do want to give it more time to settle in. Also the Tuneblocks that I used have Tungsten Ball Bearings and I have noticed that the treble can be affected (tuned) by using just the blocks without the bearings, so I may try that.
Anyhow, I just wanted to report that I am very surprised that messing with the computer side has yielded such a significant change in the sound. I thoughts bits would be transmitted down the ethernet cable exactly the same way totally independent of PC. I guess I will not be selling my surplus power cords etc... and will be 'treating' the PC. Anyone else notice this effect. I suppose if you cant hear the difference between firmware or FLAC/WAV transmission from PC then I am asking the wrong people.
