Why in some instances does changing streamers makes a bigger difference?

@davide256,

The Galubridor appears to have the bare minimum for a power supply, looks like a Denafrips Ares minus transformer coil with a volume knob added. While you don’t need a beefy power supply for a DAC you do want some serious engineering for voltage supply stability, low noise.  

To answer the power supply option I have a Vinshine Audio x Kinki Studio Taihang Power Enhancer that replaced a Puritan 156 power conditioner. I also have a spare 聖HIJIRI Nagomi power cord to upgrade from the stock power cord. The plan is to go all in on the same brand and purchase a Galubridor streamer.

Much thanks for you taking the time with me as I think this 'new' (Denafrips?) brand is geared for the low to mid-fi consumer and is said to have improved on the sound qualities of the Denafrips Pontus 15th DAC level of kit. I also plan to add (3) AUVA Equipment Isolators to 'squeeze' every bit of music out of it as I can.

Aha! Looks like I was right that the Galubridor DAC is a Denafrips spinoff.

6moons article on Galubridor

Yep!  Steve Huff - Garlubidor Divinity DAC

@knownothing 

with digital cables, if you use IIS - which seems to have become a hot method - the cable is critical as it transmits the clock signal!  So, any jitter from the digital source is fed to the DAC, which uses that clock as the master.

Async USB, into a DAC with an isolated input and a stable, low phase noise clock, ameliorates the effects of any non-signal artifacts from upstream components (including cables and switches). 

This is why I maintain that almost all of ones budget should go to the DAC, looking for USB, good isolation, buffering and a fist class OCXO clock.

@retiredaudioguy 

Take my 2 cents FWIW haha

I would watch the used market and pick up an Aurender W20/W20SE/N20 streamer for a good price that can easily be resold and test in your system.  With a world class DAC like you have, what IF it does shine?

Also, not sure if you have looked any upgrades to your Monster 3600 but I used to have a 2500 and got a used Shunyata Triton V1 that made a significant difference.  I had tried a demo Shunyata Eiger that was better but I wasn't ready to pay the difference at the time($1300 vs $4000).  Since the Everest X has come out, there are some nice deals on the OG Everest.

Happy Listening!