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Aurender Model Choices

Before I ask my question let me provide some context.

My system includes the following:

New MacBook Air Running itunes/Music serving hundreds of stored CDs

Macbook connected to my Benchmark DAC3 via Audioquest Coffee USB Cable

DAC balanced connection to Benchmark HPA4 PreAmp

PreAmp balanced connection to Benchmark ABH2 Amp

Benchmark Amp connected to Harbeth C7es-XD Speakers

This configuration has provided a neutral clean, and balanced sound. Really no complaints. However I wanted to add Streaming. So I Signed up for Qobuz and downloaded the App to my MacBook. Using WiFi I found that the Qobuz stream offered superior sound quality to my local CD library. Even Redbook CD quality was better plus the HiRes albums were really good

So now I need to get a dedicated Streamer. Using the MacBook is not convenient and from what I’ve read a Streamer should offer additional SQ enhancement. I’ve done a lot of research and really like the Aurender products plus when I recently purchased my speakers I auditioned them with an Aurender Model 100. The sound was excellent. I plan to go back in a few weeks to audition the $6k N200 model. I’m sure it will sound very good but I will be left wondering what does the N20 sound like? How much better can it be for another $6K? Unfortunately my dealer doesn’t have one to audition and neither does any other dealer near me. I’ve read comments on several forums that the N20 is twice as good as the N200 or that the N200 is nipping at the heals of the N20 or that the N20 just offers a 20% increase in SQ or the N20 blows the N200 out of the water. Without a side by side audition I’m struggling with paying twice the price without a demonstrable and significant SQ improvement. I would expect a SQ that once heard I could never settle for the less expensive model. In my recent experience a more expensive model does’t always win. When buying my speakers I auditioned the Harbeth C7es-XD and the more expensive 30.2 XD model. After almost an hour of back and forth I preferred the lower priced model.

So to conclude has anyone had the opportunity to audition the N20 and N200 together?

If so please Specifically what if any SQ differences did you hear and were they worth an additional $6k?

As I listen to my system streaming from my MacBook with wonderfully smooth, clean HiRes sound  I wonder can I actually get significantly more improvement for $6k or $12K?

Thanks for any info and experiences you can provide.

jfrmusic

Showing 4 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,398 posts
 

I own an Aurrender N100 and W20SE and have had significant exposure to the N10 and N20 as well as a number competing streamers. Aurrender would always be my choice. In general, each level represents a substantial improvement in sound quality, in all respects. More detailed, natural, lower noice floor, dynamics, and imaging. My digital end and my excellent analog end provide equal sound quality (see my virtual systems).

You will get better sound quality from an N20 than from a N200. In your set up the N20 will sound better, but it is likely to sound significantly better if your preamp and amp were higher quality. So, I think the question to ask is if you are on the path to a better system and will be upgrading your preamp and amp at some point, then N20 is the way to go. If you will stay with the benchmark stuff, then N200.

 

ghdprentice
6,398 posts
 

The N200 is a great sounding streamer but the N20 is a much better sounding and more flexible. 
 

Most folks love the Aurrender Conductor app. Like all software, you get used to how it works and it becomes simple and powerful and it is getting better all the time.

ghdprentice
6,398 posts
 

Congratulations. You will be very happy. The N20 is an outstanding sounding streamer. 

ghdprentice
6,398 posts
 

Ooh. I would have taken the Cardas offer. That is a good cable.

 

I tried Blue Jeans a couple times just to see if they were any better than other common cheap interconnects and cables… they were not.

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