Pasting my post which is in the Matrix X-SPDIF2 forum:
I’ve been a big fan of the Matrix X-SPDIF2, going all the way with Farad Super3, and even more recently adding an AQ Dragon 48 HDMI which sounded great.
BUT
I did some comparisons today. I run my ethernet through an etherREGEN. Original setup was etherREGEN B port to Roon Nucleus+ > SonicArt Blue Lightning USB > Matrix (Farad 7V) > AQ Dragon 48 HDMI > DSD.
I then changed this to plug the etherREGEN B port to the Bridge II on the DSD instead. It wasn’t as good … UNTIL … I pulled the USB out of the Roon Nucleus+ (on advice from Alex Crespi, owner of UpTone Audio on the audiophilestyle.com forum). Damn it. That has bested my entire Matrix set up. Now my wife (who is presently unaware of the new setup) is singing along to the music, commenting how lovely it is, and not asking me to turn the volume down.
I was not expecting this, but that is what my ears are telling me.