Hi Robert,
The GTE is already on the list I first posted. I am sure it will be one of the best but as you also wrote I am also pretty sure the Wadia combination will be on top. Any other outcome would surprise me.
I do want to incorporate a Tripoint Audio duo in one of my systems if they can be ordered with European Schuko connections and 230V operation. Which is better Orion or Spartan? Would you prefer the NVS power cords over Tripoint Audios own Thais power cord which would have been my first choice. I am not sure the Tripoint duo would be used with the Wadia combination though. I have always had a thing for the Shunyata/Wadia combination and will probably conbine my Wadia combination with the new Shunyata Research Hydra Triton and the new Shunyata Research Powersnakes zTron Anaconda power cords.
I do have a question in regards to the Triopoint Audio Troy ground conditioner though. Maximum components that can be hooked up to the Troy is nine. That is not enough for me. If I were to use a Tripoint Audio Troy in one of my sytstems I would need to at least tripple the amount of connections available in one Troy. I also assume that since Troy is a component establishing a common ground for all the connected components, it would not be a good idea to use more than one Troy without connecting them together to establish a common ground amoung the Troy's in the same system. Do you know how this could be solved?
The maxium number of Oyaide spades on the Troy is 12. Miguel can build 2 cables and connect them into the Troy by one Oyaide. The Bocchino spades are twice as thick as the Oyaide, but your may even get 3-4 cables connected to one Bocchino spade. Miguel says you cannot run the cables serially - each needs to go to the Troy. I would speak to him for options. You can consider separating your digital from your analog by 2 different Troys, but personally, I would just figure a way to get them all on one.
I've not heard the Orion, just the Spartan. Comparing the Spartan or Orion to Shunyata just makes no sense. I've had the Shunyata Hydra II with the Wadia, and the Tripoint power conditioning is entirely differerent and totally unique. If you went with Orion, it would give you the advantage of physically separating your amps from your digital by room location. Since all my stuff is between the speakers, it does not matter for me. The Orion has 4 receptacles, which would be enough for 4 Bocchino plugs because each housing covers 2 plugs. I have Bocchino plugs on both sides of both PCs feeding the Spartan, and the one on the transport. For the DACs, I have female Bocchinos but modified male Furutech connectors so I can get both DACs into one receptacle.
Before settling on NVS, I've listen to Thais, Elrod Gold, Stage III, and Dream State. It was not a difficult decision. My NVS are shielded into the Troy, which makes it even more refined and cohesive. There is extreme synergy between the Wadia - Tripoint - NVS combination. The NVS feeding the Spartan at least doubles the effect of the Spartan. Whatever PC you choose to feed the Spartan, you will immediately understand what the PC does including it's weaknesses. Speak to Nathan at NVS - he's heard my system and is very familiar with what the Wadia and Tripoint bring to the system. I've not heard another system that puts you in front of the performance with no barriers. I hear no noise, no haze, and no sluggishness. Yet, the presentation is totally cohesive and natural - no hi-fi sound effects. The system is so highly resolving that this natural sound is the most fragile part of it. For example, if I switch one Hifi gold fuse for one Hifi Supreme fuse, it sounds mechanical and no longer interests me. It's crazy, but I cannot deny my behavior when listening to different components and tweaks.