I’m the OP:
The Puritan PSM 156 is my newest addition coming from an AQ Niagara 1200 and has definitely elevated my system in all respects (including virtual completely eliminating a persistent hum in my system) EXCEPT the Rel. That subwoofer apparently absolutely HAS to be plugged straight into the wall socket to work properly. I mean it’s really a night and day difference. Right now I’m using the Audioquest Thunder (mainly because it was the only cable long enough for the job that I have) but considering trading that in / selling it and getting another Puritan Ultimate cable. I might possibly consider getting another one to replace the Cullen Crossover II that’s powering my amplifier.
Right now it’s plugged into another outlet that’s obviously on the same circuit with no added deleterious effects. However, the outlet is just a cheap original one so now I’m considering upgrading that outlet to a Audioquest Edison ( to match the other one ) or Furutech , Synergistic Research etc. I’m also apparently going to need to get some sort of surge protector such as SurgeX or other that doesn’t filter. I don’t think that I could sleep very well without that. I suppose that I could perhaps plug a SurgeX into the unused outlet plug on the Edison but that would require buying a new PC as I currently have none that long. Also, by going to the other outlet basically I could easily get away with new 1m pc’s because that outlet is right behind the subwoofer now.
Can anyone please offer any advice here regarding AQ Thunder to Puritan Ultimate , SurgeX vs other etc.?
Finally, I’m also considering getting a linear power supply for the Chord Qutest and/or getting a different Dac such as a Merason- not the top of the line but the cheaper one.
Does anyone have any experience with the Frerot?
My main concern with this is that it apparently tops out at 192khz whereas the Qutest can theoretically go up to 7??. However, maybe I’m just ignorant but I don’t know how you can possibly listen at above 192 anyway (Qobuz tops out at that). I suppose maybe you would have to introduce a computer into the mix and I don’t think that I really want to do that.
I’ve briefly considered a tube Dac but most seem to be out of my price range plus I’m concerned about losing resolution. Thoughts?
To help pay for all of these changes I would need to sell and/or trade several things with the hope that most of the shortfall would then be covered! Possible sells / trades : Chardonnay, Qutest, AQ Thunder, AQ Monsoon, possibly some of my Cullen cables and finally (maybe) my Bluesound Node 2i ( to Zen Mini? Etc.)
Anyway, I’m basically just thinking out loud and need a sounding-board! Lol
Thanks so much and any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated!
