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

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!

Thanks for your thoughts.

The problem with Aurender is that they do not support Presto, the streaming service that I use 90% of the time.

Even on the used market an N20 seems to fetch $8k.  I am contemplating upgrading my TT and getting a CJ 62SE so ...

I have wondered about a voltage stabilized power conditioner, I think my power is quiet, I am the only house on the transformer,  but there are days when the voltage is down.  I think that would make a difference.

Given the architecture of the DAC I think that gains from changing the T8 would be marginal.  I had a lesser Aurender that I used for its SSD and I have played games like cheapo USB cables and nothing seems to change the K-01XDSE's sound - as long as I stick to the USB.  A stated aim in their USB design is isolation from upstream issues.  I truly appreciate your thoughts.

I have wondered about a voltage stabilized power conditioner, I think my power is quiet, I am the only house on the transformer,  but there are days when the voltage is down.  I think that would make a difference.

@retiredaudioguy 

I think there is more to power conditioning than removing DC or other noise coming from the wall, and it is related to the main concept of the video link in my original post.  Analog circuits and signals are susceptible to noise.  Whether the noise is generated in your DAC, produced in another component, like an inexpensive streamer, a switching power supply, or coming from adjacent cables, especially power cables, it can affect the signal that eventually reaches your transducers and your ears.

A good power conditioner can, not only clean up DC and other noise in your supply from the wall, but it can help keep noise generated back into your power distribution from other components plugged into it.  Depending on how much noise is entering your home via supply from the street and how much noise your gear is feeding back into the distributor directly from the component or indirectly from EMI in adjacent cables, a good power conditioner can create a quieter background.  It may seem obvious that better gear with more sophisticated power supplies would be immune to this benefit, but some people with very high quality electronics report benefits from adding a good power conditioner.

YMMV

kn