After intensive listening to one of my test records, I loop in a Gold Signature between the ADOT media converter and the PowerSwitch D-TC Supreme, as I did when I tried out the prototype: If I had been a bit disappointed by the sonic result before - probably due to the removal of the previously proven tuning measures - the D-TC Gold Signature reconciled me with the sound of my digital gear. The Gold Signature made me completely forget the omission of Sortz, the isolators and the additional grounding. The Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra now threw in a greater deal of dedication, while the Theater am Marientor had at least the familiar dimensions again - if the stage did not even seem a little deeper. Absolutely convincing!

The differences are no longer quite as dramatic when letting now the second Gold Signature taking care of the connection between the Melco and the Supreme Switch: The gradation within the spatial depth gets a bit more precise, individual sound events such as hits on the triangle reveal even more structure and instruments or instrument groups are differentiated a bit better and surrounded by more air. But before I reach out to the changes that the third Gold Signature implements between Switch and Aries G2.1, I should perhaps note that even with "only" two Gold Signatures in the signal path during Mahler's Symphony No. 3, the portrayal of space, especially in the highs, clearly reminded me of what I experienced when listening to the M3 and M6 during my recent visit to Aalborg. And, regarding fine detail and rhythmic precision, now something of what had fascinated me so much in the Aavik-Ansuz-Børresen system kept flaring up in my system as well.

But let’s now listen to the third Gold Signature Ethernet in my chain: The expansion in space, detail and micro-dynamics was clearly noticeable, but was by no means striking. The additional Gold Signature, however, revealed richer timbres and engendered a better coherence - not to say naturalness – which is hardly to be described: The more of AGD's top-of-the-range cables and components are implemented in a system, the more homogeneous their performance becomes. But before I throw in the PowerSwitch D-TC Gold Supreme, I treat myself to one of my favorite tracks by Eberhard Weber: "Pendulum" from the solo album of the same name. Here the bass virtuoso can be heard several times in parallel thanks to modern studio technology. I have never before been able to enjoy this almost nine-minute low-frequent indulgence in such a powerful, finely structured, dynamic and, above all, emotionally appealing way. The upgrade from the Digitalz D-TC Supreme to the Gold Signature clearly raises the performance of my digital system to a higher level. But regardless of which chain you listen to: If you like lows and rhythm, don't miss Pendulum. By the way, heard at moderate volume it's only half as nice!