Aurender

I have been using my N200 with the new Conductor 4 software and it is great.  It was a little like getting a new toy because the user interface is much improved 

I think it will only get better as it is refined 

The new beta V Tuner internet radio is much improved too.   

The N200 was easily one of my best audio purchases ever

The N200 is a Network Streamer only.  It has USB and Coax SPDIF only, as is the N20.  You need an external DAC to use them.   I'm not sure if the Aurender A200 has XLR analog out but I think it does.  Something like that may be what you are looking for if you don't want a separate streamer and DAC. 

The N20 has an AES/EBU digital out that can be used with a DAC that has same type  digital input 

No dig on Bluesound products, they are great but going from a Vault 2i to my N200 was a step up.  

I still use the Vault in my second system.   It's been great.  But Aurender machines are next level

You will love the Aurender N200   It is an awesome machine.   

I am currently using a Mirage USB and it sounds great into my LAB 12 DAC.   I also have a D750 coax by DH Labs and it also is a good cable.   Commits no sins.   Excellent quality.   

I am not convinced that USB is better with MY DAC because I think using the Coax exploits the Aurender's clock and may be better than the clock in the DAC. 

I just moved things around and started using my main listening room again.   

I bought a new integrated amp in August and was using it in my main room for about 3 weeks.  It's internal DAC sounded excellent with the N200 as It's source.  I mean really good.     If I had the cash I would put a N150 in my second system. 

When you pick it up and see the build quality , and hear it , you will know why people like ghdprentice, lalitk,  and myself praise Aurender like we do.   Support is excellent too.   Honestly support is the most important criteria when I buy something like a streamer.  

I like DH Labs , sure they have some $$$ cables but most of their stuff is within reach of blue collar guys.   

I also have the Air Matrix Cryo .  I needed a 1.5 m pair and they had a special.   I had to pull the trigger and try them.  They are excellent.   Not that they are cheap , but given the price of the components they are connecting they represent a good value.  

My Dad needed a pair of cables so I picked up their White Lightning ...  really good quality for 90 bucks 

I agree try both outputs.   My last DAC worked asynchronously internally with all inputs. The DAC that replaced it uses the source clock with SPDIF like most DACs and works asynchronously with USB , relying on the DAC's internal clock.

I am going to revisit that when I have some time. 

Hearing and perception is so subjective. I think TMR has an open DAC 1 Reference .   They are great to deal with , sometimes they will list something that’s on clearance , or demo units on eBay and it’s less money than through the website

I bought a new integrated amp through them on eBay.  I couldn’t do the firmware update and they were super responsive, offered another model as a solution.  Turned out to be a simple thing but they were all over it.   
 

You should make them an offer on a DAC , but make sure same terms apply and that’s that you can demo it and return if you don’t like it 

I bought mine with the intention of upgrading in a year , trading up to something 2 X as much but after a short time I said “why ?”   It sounds great and more importantly it’s tone and overall sound was great synergy in my system so I ended up using that money on a Turntable and phono pre

The one he reviewed was the original DAC 1.    The DAC 1 Reference is the current model. 
 

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2023/03/12/lab12-dac1-review/?amp

No. It’s 15 months old.   Has the original EH in there.   I’m thinking of getting a pair of JJ 6922.  They sounded great in my CJ preamp and don’t break the bank.  
 

I will probably get them from tube depot as a matched pair / matched triodes it’s worth the extra bucks and when I test them I’ll be confident they are as advertised 

Definitely deal with someone who has a decent return policy. I love how it sounds but at its price imake sure it is something you can listen to then decide if you want to keep it.

I have had people over that preferred the sound of the RME I had in the same room. After spending considerable time with both I sold the RME. It is great but it lacks that meat on the bones and great tone the DAC1 has.