Aurender A Series DAC Performance


I’m shopping for a streamer and also an upgrade to my Benchmark DAC3. So what’s the quality of the Aurender A200 and A20 DACs compared to a streamer and separate DAC. The Aurenders use the AKM DACs   
 

If I were to get a separate DAC probably would be one that has a streamer in it such as Meitner MA3. But those DAC streamers don’t have internal storage which I would like. Plus The caching for playback and dedicated apps. 
 

Anyone with same decision process?

jfrmusic

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

I highly recommend Aurrender streamers. But also to buy a separate streamer and DAC. An N20 is an incredible streamer and you should match it to an equally great DAC. I have not myself analysed the sound of the A series DACs, but there is no lack of folks that say they are pretty good (damned by faint praise). But I have compared Aurrender streamers with other stand alone and some that were integrated with a DAC and in the same and sometimes with higher level streamers the Aurender comes out ahead. So highly recommended.

 

But if you later choose to upgrade either the DAC or streamer then you are stuck if you have an integrated. And both pieces are critical to the sound you get out.