Will a single IC upgrade make a noticeable change to my system

[dgale]

My system is pretty set cable-wise with mostly Transparent Ge5 Ultra SC, Ref PCs, FTA SINOPE USB, SOtM dCBL CAT 7 and Transparent Ethernet on my major components. Also some Wywires and Wireworld mid-level PCs on Innuous PhNet and PhUSB and REL sub.

The only “legacy” cable in my system is a Synergistic Research Element Copper RCA between my Chord DAVE and Pathos Heritage MKii integrated. (I initially kitted out with used Syn Res and have replaced all over time with the exception of a SR Element Copper between my DAVE and Pathos Heritage MKii integrated.

Question: Would replacing the SR with either a Transparent G5 Reference or G6 Ultra make a noticeable difference in the sound?

Or other suggestions? Budget approx $1500 on used market. TIA and happy listening.


Pathos InPol Heritage MKii integrated
Zenith MK3 * Ph’NET and Ph’ USB
Audiowise OPTO DX
Transparent G5 PowerIsolator
CHORD DAVE w/ Sean Jacobs LPS
M Scaler w/ Teddy Pardo LPS
REL S/812
Tannoy Kensington GRs

 

[vermaxis]

I don’t have a direct answer for you but I do have a general one.

I believe that once your system reaches a certain level of ‘revealing’ then just about any change will make a difference.

In my case, I’ve definitely noticed differences in the character of USB cables. But the biggest I have experienced by far is XLR. For a time I simplified my setup and went straight from my DAC to the power amp and changing XLR cables made an immediate perceptive difference.

So based on what you listed above, I’m sure you’ll hear something different if you replace the SR. Now exactly what that difference is, and whether you like it, is something else entirely