2. digital
  3. 180615-174247

Aurender N20 Streamer & Holo May DAC vs Analog

A couple of caveats..

1. My retail analog system is 2x $ of my digital.

2. Power cable to phono preamp > to Aurender

3. Analog signal interconnects $$$>$ digital cables.

Analog is much more musical with regards to tonality, airy soundstage with great imaging, detail, impact .. in every way.

Aurender/May DAC USB vs AES/EBU is source dependent and I haven’t figured this out completely, but CD likes AES with upscaling. Most other sources benefit from USB with regards to imaging, airy presentation and detail/tonality. Still early, but, for example, playing “Friday Night In San Francisco” these differences were quite apparent with Qobuz 176/24. I was definitely favoring USB, but Analog was so much more of everything and much more involving. Analog was amazing.

Aurender is major upgrade from iFi Zen Stream with their best power supply and fiber optic Ethernet isolation.

vonhelmholtz

Showing 2 responses by vthokie83

vthokie83
661 posts
 

+1 for SOIX suggestion

100 hours is way too early on the May DAC, I wouldn’t start critical listening until at least 300, many recommendations are for 500….I have heard the Holo Audio May DAC KTE create magic in mine and other systems, but not at your equipment level

vthokie83
661 posts
 

#1 Audioman

I agree, if it were within my finances, I’d love to have the 12th anniversary Denafrips Terminator Plus II…..but $7,250 is out of my range by quite a bit

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