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Just my ears... your milage may vary

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This Post Has Been Edited by the Author

I wanted to post that sometimes the quest for a higher level of sound quality leads nowhere but sometimes you're rewarded with real improvements.
Specifically, I stream Qobuz/HQ Player from a perfectly good SoTM SMS200 Ultra Neo network streamer into a perfect wonderful Chord Hugo TT2 DAC. Like many of you I wonder... is there better SQ with "this" gear.
I bought some tweaky things that did nothing and then I heard that maybe it's the USB input holding me back. One of the failings of the SMS200 Ultra Neo is that USB is the only output. So, I purchased an Audiowise SRC-DX, a usb-to-dual bnc converter. Suddenly Wow. This is not just different, but it's better. S/PDIF into the Hugo TT2 sounds better than USB. Why didn't I know that?
OK, if that's better what about the USB cable between the SoTM and the SRC-DX? That can make a difference, can it? I got a deal on a better usb cable and yes, instant improvement. OK, lets jump much higher. I lucked into a $700 USB cable for $300. And, again instantly better SQ! USB Cables matter. Who knew? I know there are dozens of other "great" USB cables but I can't try them all.
So, don't give up your search to find better SQ. I'm no spring chicken, I've been at this since 1967, so, I'm sure there is even better sound out there. But I'll stop right here for now.

Edits: 03/29/24

Follow Ups:

RE: Just my ears... your milage may vary - Donivey 06:26:26 03/29/24 (2)
- Audioquest Diamond USB (NT) - creativepart 08:27:03 03/29/24 (1)
  - more to the story - creativepart 08:53:13 03/29/24 (0)