Smooth Highs and Deep Bass

Thanks, akg, I value you insightful comments.
System synergy does matter and one size does not fit all, but my real goal is to ask other members if they have found cables that help soften the "edge of digital output without sacrificing dynamics. (I've already found the right PC).

I love the sound of my current system; the Purist Audio cables have great synergy with my components, just trying to tweak the digital. I need some advise; I think the Cable Co. is out of ideas.

So my decision to mention the PGS is based not simply on my desire to push my personal fave, which it isn't, but to bring to your attention a cable that many audiophiles agree has a smooth top end. Will they work in your system to smooth your top end? That I can't tell you. But the cables reputation, and also my own experience with it, suggests that it might be one cable worth considering in your quest. And in the endless sea of cables and cable choice, isn't it good to get a few suggestions where you might start your search?
mani-2

That's all I'm asking for.  Thank you for putting it into such a concise comment.

Al, your troubleshooting input is always most appreciated.
Now I'll review my procedure:

My CD for testing highs from a CDP is LvB Symphony no. 7, Karl Bohm/VPO, DG 1972.
I also use the Haydn string quartets (Kodaly Quartet) on Naxos.

- did an A/B between Cardas IC and Blue Jeans IC (Cardas smooth highs, BJ harsh, unrefined).
- removed CDP from pwr. cond. in rack (which is shared w/ preamp), used cheater plug and put back in rack AC receptacle.
- did A/B between same ICs and holy cow. No more "digital edge" from the BJ cables.

With my Cardas, the DG VPO strings sound warm, but lack the lowest 1/2 octave (the limitation of the cable).
Using the BJ cables, (they are more extended than Cardas), but the massed strings are quite listenable, actually an accurate presentation of the DG recordings of that era.
Obviously, BJ is more transparent, as advertised.

Thanks so much, Al. Maybe the Forum members should put you on a retainer, I'd gladly chip in.
But I would like the ground loop explained if possible. I'll give details on my power setup;

I have a 20 amp dedicated line, amp is plugged into wall separate from rack.
For components, there is a Blue Circle Passive passive pwr. cond. plugged into the wall. Since it has no surge protection, a Furman power strip with filtering is plugged into the Blue Circle. Then all components plug into the Furman.
 Do you think the problem is that all components are in the power strip?

Thanks again, Al. I do understand the basic theory of ground loop as it applies to mains power...in a muli-component system there can only be one grounded component. But thanks for explaining the IC grounding issues.
I was wondering if AC from digital device could be coming back down the PC into the power strip.

Yes, I did put unit with cheater plug back into same receptacle of pwr strip. I also tried CDP plugged into wall on different breaker and it sounded harsh.

inna,
I'm using PAD Aqueous liquid speaker cables and love them. When I tried Museous IC from CD it was not smooth, but now that Al has diagnosed the prob, I will try Purist again.

Many thanks to everybody who has offered advise thus-far.
The Purist Musaous is sounding smooth, open and dynamic from the ARC CDP now, but that's when using the cheater plug.
So, I'm going to purchase the Jensen Transformer, which lowers my budget for another Purist IC.

I need to replace the Cardas IC due to it's limited dynamics and am now looking for a recommendation for a lower cost IC with smooth highs and deep low-end.
Morrow ICs were recommended to me; anybody else using them or another cable in that price range? I hesitate on the Morrows since there is no return policy.
Thanks again.

Thanks, Almarg. I sent you a PM regarding the Jensen.

Many thanks for your help, Al.

Thanks for your post, Morrowaudio, I did not realise that. I'll have to give your cables a closer look.