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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
gsomin
5 posts
 

I just bought Aurender A200 as an upgrade from BlueSound Node. My initial impression of Aurender that it sounds a bit more dull in comparison. It lacks the high end presence of BlueSound. 


The rest of the system is exactly the same for both sources: Luxman 507z and SonusFaber Olympica III. 

Is there something that I should tweak in Aurender or do you think I have been jaded by higher presence sound of BlueSound?

Thank you all!

 

 

ghdprentice
6,967 posts
 

@gsomin

 

First, is it new? Broken in? It will need at least a couple hundred hours on it before it will perform correctly… 300 or 400 is better.

Tell us more about the rest of your system. There is a place for photos and to ID your system. That would really help us. Click on the little triangle next to discussion Forum to virtual system.

Aurender streamers are world class… although their DACs are not known to be quite as leading edge. The A200 i should blow away the Blue Sound.

Is it possible you are taking treble and in your face presence for higher quality? Higher quality sound brings out the natural midrange and heft of voices and many instruments… it is more relaxed and musical. The presentation is deeper, soundstage wider. Just a thought.

gsomin
5 posts
 

Yes, it is brand spanking new A200. The rest of the system is Sonus Faber Olympica III speakers and Luxman 507z (will send a photo later). Note, that I did side-by-side with BlueSound on the same setup. 

Aurender does sound warmer with more bass, but cymbals and background piano is blended in, very understated. In contrast, I could hear all instruments on BlueSound. I do use a cheaper RCA cable for BlueSound (and LINN interconnects for the Aurender), so I can play with that, but I doubt it would have such a drastic difference. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,448 posts
 

@gsomin 

If you don’t believe in break-in then you can return A200. The DAC’s are known to open up after 250-400 hours. 

soix
9,456 posts
 

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. 

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