I use mid-priced WireWorld cables since their design goal from the beginning has been to be as neutral as possible. With them installed, if I still hear an issue, I fix it elsewhere rather than using a colored cable as a band-aid. I generally find that it's a speaker and/or listening position or...
I'm very happy with a Weiss DAC501 directly driving my ATC SCM50ASLT speakers. A friend of mine is doing the same and is equally happy. Excellent headphone output and many useful DSP functions as well.
My DAC501 is connected directly to wired ethernet. Very simple and clean solution.
I've tried a number of amps with my Fyne F703 speakers and ended up with the new Zesto Audio Bia 200 Select. Coupled with Zesto's phono and line stages, the sound quality is excellent, IMHO.
I thought EVP worked well and offered good value when they first came out. But a few big prices increases later, they now offer poor value compared to the better manufactured and sounding Iso Acoustic products. For example, when first released the 2" EVPs were $39 each. Now they are $99 each.
There is an 06x currently on US Audio Mart for $2150. Already a screaming deal for a world class phono stage (I own one) and he's accepting offers below that.
I've owned both Avantgarde Duos driven with some high quality 45 or 300B SETs as well as various active ATC speakers. My current revision ATC SCM100ASLT speakers are far superior to any Avantgarde speaker I've heard. BTW, the current Avantgarde line is grossly overpriced, at least in the US...
Like I said, I can't argue your points; not my area of expertise.
I'm not endorsing one brand or another. As stated, I plan to use both which I suspect many others will do.
Please don't kill the messenger. Apparently WAM has developed their own methodology for measuring Zenith error (that tool is not yet available to the consumer) and then to correct for that error (WallyZenith). I'm not interested in arguing these points as I'm not a mechanical engineer: just...
This from Wally Tools (WAM Engineering):
"Based on another client of mine who had his cartridge analysis done with me, said that after mounting his analyzed cartridge with the custom shim he got the lowest distortion figures he’s ever seen on any cartridge from AnalogMagik for azimuth and rake...