Yes, I am addicted to this hobby, and I am enjoying it.
Based on some posts that I read here, I tried a DH Labs Silver Sonic D-110 AES/EBU Digital Cable connecting my Innous Pulse with the Bricasti M1S2 DAC. I a/b tested this cable versus the Innuos Phoenix USB using Pine Tree Audio USB cords and also Cardis Clear USB cords. I heard essentially no difference between the Pine Tree and Cardis Clear cables with the Phoenix USB, and without it. The Phoenix USB was definitely an improvement over not having it in the system.
However, I was amazed at the difference I heard with the DH Labs Silver Sonic D-110 AES cable versus the Phoenix USB. After several days of a/b listening I sold the Phoenix USB for just a bit over what I purchased it for.
My preamp is the LTA MicroZOTL Level 2. I have committed to upgrading to the Level 3 in a couple of months. The next item on my upgrade path will be my streamer. The Innous Pulse is nice, but I know I can do better. I am not pleased with my Synology NAS system for my CD files. I need a better solution. The SACD player is still in play for the time being until I find a better file solution.
I appreciate the Innuos Sense app. So much better than any other I have tried. I have heard good things regarding the Conductor app as well. I have several friends that have abandoned their lifetime memberships with Roon so I am not inclined to explore that rabbit hole.
The Innuos Zen NG looks great according to all I have read. Multiple dealers have told me they can detect no difference between the Zen NG and the Zenith NG, and that the Statement NG is better, but only for the most extreme systems.
The Aurender N20 is approximately the same price as the Innuos Zen NG when configured similarly (2 TB member and AES upgrade for the Zen NG). The higher level Aurender players have similar feedback from dealers, in that they are a bit better than the N20, but only in the absolute pinnacle of systems. The Aurender is a slightly better deal used, but only because there are essentially no Zen NG units available since it is still so new. The N20 is a few years out and the ones that are available are typically from people that have upgraded with the Aurender family.
I am certain there are a few members that been able to compare the Zen NG with the N20. I am looking for your opinions. It is proving to be difficult to have both systems here at the same time to do a proper a/b test. At best I will be able to a/b either unit with the existing Pulse which I anticipate should be no contest.
Your thoughts and suggestions? Am I missing any other units to look at? Please do not suggest any units that need to run Roon. I will not mess with that.
Thanks!
