Auralic vs Aurender


I'm trying to decide between these two companies for my next purchase. I have been using Bluesound for a few years now. Bluesound Vault 1 and node2 and a node1. Was looking at the Aurender A or N series and the Auralic Aries G1--any thoughts and thanks--
wjt3
When I was searching for a streamer, my top 3 choices were Lumin, Innuos and Auralic. I was interested in ones that could run Roon, so Aurender was not considered. I ended up with the Auralic Aries G2.1 from an authorized dealer. I installed a 2Tb Samsung EVO SSD with the assistance of instructions from the same dealer’s website. The Aries G2.1 also has a copper enclosure which required the removal of 10 more Torx screws. Overall, it was an easy install. Over time, I realized that Roon wasn’t better sounding than using Auralic’s Lightning DS software, so I didn’t renew Roon. The support of the Auralic community/forums, recent software and firmware upgrades and the sound quality have made me a satisfied camper. Of course my Holo Audio May KTE DAC helps too.

I think in the end, you’ll end up with an excellent streamer whether it’s an Auralic or Aurender. There is a dealer in So Cal that offers both brands, so they may be able to share their impressions. I’ve bought quite a few vacuum tubes from them, and they have been helpful. BTW, my Auralic dealer offers a 2 weekend in home trial. Happy listening!
@wjt3,  My Aurender N20 is connected to my Bricasti M21 DAC using both the USB connection and the AES/EBU connection.   After many listening, tests, I used the AES/EBU connection all the time (99%).   The Bricasti M21 DAC has several options but I use the ladder DAC setting all of the time because it sounds the best.  

My cables are the Audience Au24 SE+ USB Cable, one meter, Single connections at each end but two wires and the Kubala-Sosna Emotion AES/EBU cable, Balanced XLR (1 cable), 1.5 meters length.  

I use the Kubala-Sosna Expression Interconnect Cable (2 cables), XLR connections, 1.5 meter length to connect to my SimAudio 700i V2 integrated amplifier.   

   
As per my above post, I recently upgraded my Aurender N10 Server to the Aurender N20 Music Server.

My Aurender N20 Music Server is installed and working great.  The N20 is supplied WITHOUT hard drives installed. This means hard drives are the customer’s choice. Each of the two rear panel mounting sleds accommodates a 1, 2, 4 or 8TB 2.5-inch SSD or up to 5TB 15mm height 2.5inch HDDs. Since users have different storage requirements, Aurender feels this is the best way to satisfy everyone.  Aurender recommends Samsung EVO (I used Samsung EVO) or QVO series internal SSD drives, and Western Digital or Seagate HDDs.

The SSD Disk installation means you loosen the screws on the back of the unit, pull out the slot, insert the SSD, push in and tighten the screws (top slot is Music1).  After I installed the SSD, I went to the Conductor App, settings, disk information tab to format the SSD (please see instruction links below).   If, for some reason, the format command does not appear, please POWER DOWN and turn the electrical power off and restart manually.  Restarting takes time because the N20 has UPS circuitry inside.

I checked for software updates on the N20 (there were none) and deleted my old Conductor App and installed a new copy from the App Store on my iPad.   For startup purposes, the N20 displays a six-digit code that must be entered into the Conductor App.   

My new N20 sounds excellent. The music is clearer, the bass is better, has more air and it has more musical details. The overall musical presentation is much improved.  I am listening to jazz now and the SQ is much improved.  

You know the music is great when I am typing a message and music catches my attention and forces me to look up.  This unit is truly outstanding.  I am very impressed. Cranking the volume and this unit is truly amazing. It is much improved over the N10.  The music has more feeling and depth.

I copied my albums from my LaCie external hard drive (backup drive) to the N20 okay.  I also ran the scanner, scan for newly added files, so all my albums appeared okay.  This worked perfectly.  Please note the scan for newly added files takes time to run (watch for messages on your App).  

A miracle!  Next, I restored my music1/backup and all my Qobuz links were returned. This is needed since my main library includes BOTH my stored CD’s and Qobuz links.  Previously, I used the backup my Music1 tab and also copied all my albums to my LaCie external hard drive.  For this step, I restored my settings from Music1/backup file.  This is a required step to ensure all my QoBuz related links were restored.  

In summary, the N20 sounds terrific.  I really like it.  This is a substantial sound quality improvement.  I find the Conductor App very easy to use and find albums to play.   I can very easily navigate between m stored CD albums, QoBuz and Internet radio stations.   

The Aurender N20 Music Server is highly recommended.    



I am also considering both. Using an Oppo currently just as a streamer. It’s good but the OPPO app keeps losing connection. I need a streamer that’s more stable that ha s better Tidal interface. The Auralic Aries Mini or a  Aurender 100SC
Thanks to all especially hgiefman commenting on the Aurender N10. I have a usb DAC and another which has AES and BNC inputs. So the main two units; Auralic G2 and Aurender N10 are still top contenders today (June 2020).
If there is a direct comparison, I am sure a specialty power cord would come into play.
But for the topic of this forum, I am leaning towards one of these units instead of add on boxes plus their wall-warts and upgradable power supplies. I think I’ve had enough with those things. The N10 with the Conductor App is looking very right.

@wjt3- Been awhile since your purchase, could you PM me and let me know your thoughts. I am on the fence between Aurender, Auralic and a custom build for audio only server/ripper. (soundstage, musicality, resolution and “blackness” of the signal are main considerations). Thank you 

@wjt3,  As I stated above, I recommend the Aurender N10 music server for its excellent sound quality, build quality and an easy to use interface that makes finding your music simple.   The Aurender Conductor App enables me to quickly find the album I want and play it.   The Aurender has a 240G solid-state drive that is used to cache music for playback for the very best sound quality.

As you can see from above many posts, the selection of a music server is not an easy decision or process.  It seems, everyone has a DIFFERENT server recommendation.  I suggest you make a list of the important features your music server needs and your questions.  For example, please review:

1) What is your price range for a music server? 

2)  What features does your server need?   For example, I wanted my CD albums stored in the same box, wanted Tidal, Qobuz Streaming Services and also Internet radio stations. And, also the ability to add more additional streaming services when they become available. 

3)  Do you want a DAC built into the streamer or a separate DAC?   For maximum flexibility, I decided on an external DAC. 

4)  What digital outputs do you need?  I decided on a Music streamer with BOTH USB and AES/EBU digital outputs to my DAC.  In most cases, I prefer the AEB/EBU connection (a very high priority for me).  Some music servers offer an Ethernet audio connection for output. 

5)  Is a Roon interface important to you?  If needed, you need a Roon enabled server.  I decided that Roon is NOT required.  In my case, the Aurender Conductor App is easy to use AND DOES exactly what I need.  However, several of my friends purchased a Roon enabled server and likes it very much. Another friend purchased the Roonlabs Nucleus by Roon Music Server and recommends it.

6)  Your server needs a controlling App that runs on an iPad or something similar.  You need to review the App to ensure it supports your needs to easily find and manage your music selections. 

7) Does your server offer Remote Internet Technical Support?  The Aurender does.  I used this once and they solved my user operational issue very quickly (my error).  

8)  Since I have owned my Aurender N10, Aurender has made several software updates that have greatly improved the features of the N10.  These updates were contained in various software updates that are easy to install.   Your selected server needs to have the ability to be quickly  updated.   

9)  Sound quality is the MOST important.  In my case, I asked many questions, talked to many people, read many reviews and auditioned various servers to help me make the right decision.   I selected the Aurender N10 Music Server for its excellent sound quality.


I hope the above helps you make a decision.  Thanks....


Thanks-- so maybe I should look at the G2 before trading up to the Aurender N10??? thanks again
wjt3- there is no HDMI connection of the G1, only on the G2/GX series.
It is not compatible with the I2S on the DSD, only as Lightning Link exclusively between the Auralic components.  I have an Aries G2 and it sounds fantastic streaming to the PSA Direct Stream dac.  USB connection sounds much better than AES.  The Aries G2 is a major sonic improvement over the Bridge II.  Roon with this combination doesn't sound nearly as good as utilizing Lightning DS.  Auralic's OS is very good and the hardware/software combo is rock solid.  I stream wirelessly via AirPlay.
Jackd-- would  the hdmi on the g1 or g2 be able to go to the Ps Audio Direct Stream dac? If you would know-thanks
I own the Aurender N10 Music Server and like it very much.  Its Conductor App is easy to use and switching from CD’s, Tidal, Qobuz (when available) and Internet Radio stations is very easy.

Their customer support is excellent.  Its has both USB and ARS/EBU digital outputs and I prefer the digital output.  Sound quality, ease of use and build quality are its key features.

All my albums are stored on my Aurender and I control it using my iPad.   Aurender servers require a wired connection to the Internet and maintains its software with updates.  The most recent update included support fo Qobuz Streaming.    I am very happy with my Aurender N10 server and suggest you give it a audition.   
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jon I have the Aries G1 and use the USB out to a North Star Design Venti.  There are no issues.  jack is correct that there are two USB ports on the G1.
They both have dual usb ports.  One is an output for a DAC and the other is an input for an external HD.  In addition the G2 has an HDMI/I2S output for the Vega 2
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Ps Audio Direct Stream--  I just thought Roon was toooo much of a good thing. I've liked the Bluesound app. I think I like the Aurender app better.
Thanks for that info-- Not really a Roon user- I have it, tried it, not for me. I may try the Aurender then Auralic. Thanks again for the responses!!!
My experiences suggest that the AURALiC app produces better sound than Roon within the AURALiC product line.  I ran into several issues in Roon - the biggest offenders being a hot/clipped signal and marginalized soundstage.  When I used a different streamer, the signal was not clipped so the optimization between Roon and AURALiC might not be 100% there yet.

I have no experience with Aurender and my point above is that if you do go with AURALiC, I'd suggest not letting Roon integration be the deciding factor if SQ is your overall goal.  The Lightning DS app is very good both functionally and sound-wise.  It does have a few quirks like most apps, but its still very solid.
There are advantages and disadvantages with both.

Aurender built in storage vs Auralic which doesnt  

You are missing Roon compatibility with Aurender.

Then there is the question of upsampling and upconversion. 

Many Dacs sound better with higher res samples. 

Upconversion and transcoding allow for 16bit 44k to be magically resampled to 24/192 or DSD.

For this reason we prefer to use innuous servers running Roon core.

If you think there is a lot of difference between native high res and upsampled 
16 bit there isnt.

We have extensive experience with many of the markets best dacs and servers.

We have Naim Aurreder Batis Innous servers on active display and we had the Aurlic Aries as well.

If we can be of further assistance please feel free to contact us.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
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I have been using Aries mini..my main reason was to have an iPad app to control music stored in my Mac..and also play Spotify..
the app is pretty good..connects to Mac with minimserver