[joessportster]

OK, cool.

To clarify, this is your "new" system: PC directly into the Lampizator Amber 5 via USB; Coincident Statement linestage, and a pair of Williamson amps.

I took the Coincident out of the chain. PC directly into DAC VIa Curious Cable USB, DAC directly into Williamson amps using a Gabrial Gold interconnect, Speaker cables are GR Research clone of Kimber 12tc, Speakers are John Kalinowski Seas Bookshelves (Massive Bookshelves at 22 x 16 x 15 )

The Tubes in the DAC are 12au7, Ecc99, & 6x5............I dont honestly know what brand tubes are in it. They sealed the bottom & I have not decided fully on the DAC and figure "IF" I decide to sell It would move better if the seal were intact. I dont get emotionally attached to gear. If it does not please me I sell it in search of something better to my ears

I will investigate the Ember cable

[WGH]

I was unfamiliar with the John Kalinowski Seas Bookshelf speakers. I have SEAS drivers in my speakers and was wondering if their Exotic F8 full range driver's sound have the same precise, fast, revealing sound characteristics. Based on the linked review it seems they do.

http://www.tnt-audio.com/casse/seas_exotic_e.html

The builder wrote: "I used a 0.68 Jantzen ribbon inductor with a Mills 15 Ohm resistor. I initially used 12 Ohms ceramic resistors, but decided that reproduction was a bit too bright for my taste and changed them for the 15 Ohm resistors. Playing with these values will give you an opportunity to finetune the speakers to your taste."

I have always found that single driver speakers to be very coherent with a spooky ability to disappear.

[Early B.]

I took the Coincident out of the chain.

Put it back. I betcha $100 it sounds better with the Coincident.

[joessportster]

Put it back. I betcha $100 it sounds better with the Coincident.

I wont bet as hearing is so subjective. I would bet MANY would agree with you & honestly I likely will put it back in. BUT with the current set up if any addition / removal of cables, tubes or ? happens.  I think the shorter chain will be more telling of the results. Less gear makes it easier to discern differences IMHO

Now if I can get more than 1 hour of decent weather for a real listening session. Here in NC dealing with the clowns at duke energy. The slightest wind may take out power. I try to stay off the system when odds are great that we will lose power.

[joessportster]

Scored a Hapa Ember USB Cable last night off Ebay. Should see it next week some time. will compare to my Curious Cable. Hoping it might help that last little bit.

The Seas drivers are superb, i have owned & used several Lowthers, AER, Lii, Jordan, Omega, & many others. Too date the SEAS are by far my favorites. They Image like mad in the John K. cabinets. Bass is superb no REAL need for subs. Mine are barely broken in with maybe 250 hours. I bought them new and I built the cabinets based off Johns design I am very happy with them.  Last night at 2am I swapped in the pure copper Digital Amp Co. speaker wires and did not completely solve the issue at hand but it was late and I was tired so will have to see today if I get a better outlook. Might swap in some 807 tubes for the Russian 6p3s I have been running