If I’m you I’d play the Aurender exclusively for 200 hours and then do some critical listening then switch the Node back in and see what you think. Also, what cable are you using into the streamers? Lastly, at the level of your system you really need to invest in a better DAC. If you specify what sound characteristics you prefer you can get some good recommendations here or maybe better to just start another thread for that.
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!
Showing 4 responses by soix
@gsomin Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying given the other components in your system. The DAC in the Aurender is a bottleneck and your system will reward you greatly with a better standalone DAC. You can continue to use the Aurender as a streamer, but your system is crying out for a better DAC IMHO. |
@lalitk No, and fair point. But is the DAC in the A200 comparable to a Denafrips Terminator or the like? I think not, and I stand by my assertion that the level of the OP’s system deserves a better standalone DAC. I mean, the guy’s got about $25k invested in excellent electronics and speakers, and you think his best option is to use the internal DAC in a $6k streamer??? Have you compared the internal DAC of the A200 to higher-end DACs? I can’t imagine it’d fare very well. I could be wrong, but again I think not. His system deserves and requires a better DAC. I think @ghdprentice who’s very well versed in Aurender and excellent DACs may back me up on this. But again, I could be wrong. |
@lalitk Yes, it really is exactly that argument. If you think the best recommendation for a DAC in a $25k+ system is the one that’s included in a $6k streamer have at it. Me? If I’ve got that chunka change sunk into my system I’m sucking it up and buying a better separate DAC because I think it’s pretty damn important. So yeah, I’m saying the DAC included in a $6k streamer is a bottleneck in the context of a $25k+ system. It’s all about balance, and using that relatively inexpensive DAC section in that system is in my opinion unbalanced. |