750$ Intel NUC vs $6000 Aurender N200: I don't hear the difference


I finally plunged into the source is as important as the DAC belief that is quite prevalent here and decided to test out Aurender N200. And given I have a very highend DAC, thought if the N200 pans out I would go for the N20 or N30.

 

I was expecting the N200 to blow away my Intel NUC which is 10th gen, core i7, 8GB and running Roon Rock BUT I am switching back and forth between USB playing the Roon Rock, and Co-axial playing Aurender N200, and I don't hear much of a difference maybe a hair, or not even that.

 

A few caveats: 1) Roon Rock is playing Quboz, N200 is playing Tidal (I am unable to get Qobuz login to the N200 for reason I don't understand).

2) I am comparing Coaxial on N200, USB on Roon Rock.

Caveat #2 can be ignored because I don't hear a difference between Coaxial and USB output of N200.

 

So either this is an "Emperor has no clothes" moment or I am missing something big. Any thoughts on what I might be missing before I send this N200 back to the dealer on Monday.

 

Rest of my system: Nagra TUBE DAC -> Accuphase E-650 -> Devore O96 and all Acoustic Revive wiring. 

essrand

If you are wondering why I didn’t go for the Oladra for some thousands more, well I’m retired and my wife wants a new floor.

A new floor? well I hope she can tell the difference double-blind, 9 times out of 10. Maybe get a 30 day return policy in case she can't pass. 

I’m very happy with my new Auralic Aries G2.2 

I use a Shunyata Alpha v.2 NR power cord on it

I’m very happy with my new Auralic Aries G2.2 

I use a Shunyata Alpha v.2 NR power cord on it

@axeis1.  You spent 40% of your streamer’s price for a power cord.  What did you feel the changes were that deemed such a nice cable?  I am asking out of true curiosity.  I just spent 10% of the streamer cost and I thought that was pretty high.