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Aurender integrated streamer/DACs

Does anyone have experience with any of the mid-to-upper-level Aurender units that feature integrated DACs and how do they compare with comparably-priced outboard DACs?  Understanding DAC voicing can be a matter of preference, I am also considering a dedicated Roon Core built of JCAT components feeding either a Weiss 502 or the new PS Audio DSD when that becomes available.

Bonus question: looking at this another way (assuming the DACs referenced above are superior to a built-in Aurender DAC), how would a nicely spec'd Roon Core compare with an Aurender Server/Streamer?

Please answer only on in terms of sound quality only.  I believe the UI will work fine for me, whether it is Conductor or Roon.  Thanks very much!

mhwilliford

Showing 2 responses by oddiofyl

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,066 posts
 

You should check out the A200 but if you are really thinking about a DAC like the Weiss then you should actually check out the N200 or N20.    I thought the same thing , and after giving it some thought I went with the N200.  Couldn’t be happier 

Look at the comparison chart on Aurender’s site and you will see that the streamer only versions have more features than the streamer / DAC alternative at the same price.    I never thought I would spend that much on a streamer but it was a good purchase 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,066 posts
 

I am using the N200 with a Lab 12 DAC 1 Reference and it REALLY sounds good.  This unit was proof positive that good digital starts at the source, the modern day transport... the streamer.   

I can't even imagine what it would take dollar wise for an analog set up that sounds this good.  Big $$$$

The combo sounds anything but digital.  It's the first source that I just kick back and don't even try to dissect....  music just flows out of my speakers.    Wish I had the means to put a system like this together 20 years ago!   Would have saved a lot of time and money.   

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