Aurender N20

@jeffreyw I have an N20. The main differences are that you have Digital XLR and BNC outputs but the real reason to go for the N20 is that it has a master clock input which takes the N20 to the level of the N30.

What I have have found is some recordings and formats will sound better via digital XLR or USB. So it's good to have those options.

Anyway demo the both of them you can't go wrong with either.

@jeffreyw A lot of people are mentioning the difference between AES/BNC and USB.

If you want to take full advantage of the USB output you need a DAC with an Amanero Board. This will bring the SQ very close to the AES/BNC otherwise the AES/BNC will be clearly superior. You need USB for Native DSD otherwise you'll have to play DOP through AES/BNC.

Make sure in your Aurender settings to enable Professional Level Out, this will give quite a SQ boost to the AES/BNC output.

The N20 with a Master Clock is sublime. Totally different, on another level.

@jeffreyw Although the Aries Cerat Helene is a fantastic DAC but it doesn't play Native DSD.

Therefore USB really has no use, unless you are inputting a source without AES/EBU. AES/EBU will be best, especially with the Aurender N20's  Professional Level Output.

The Shunyata Omega digital XLR seems to be the most in demand now but many Aries owners are using Final Touch Cables.

@jeffreyw Hi Jeff, The AES/EBU digital XLR connection can only handle, max 192 kHz PCM it cannot play Native DSD.

Native DSD will be converted to DOP (DSD over PCM) either by your Aurender N20 or by the DAC. DOP is very good by not quite as good as DSD.

USB will handle files of much higher frequencies including DSD, so you can play files higher than 192 kHz PCM.

The N20’s XLR digital output is excellent so unless the Aries’ USB board is better I’m sure the XLR will be the best performer. Of course you will need to experiment yourself, or ask someone that has the same combination.

In this price range quality cables are extremely important.

I do find it disappointing however that a DAC of this quality and price doesn’t offer DSD processing and I2s inputs.

Hi-Rez files at 192 kHz will sound great regardless.

On my  setup with an N20 I favour USB for FLAC files and AES/EBU for WAV files.

@ghdprentice Yes, The Aurender 20 and 30 series provide the full package catering to all formats in a very intuitive package with reference SQ.

Some may say there are better sounding streamers but at a price point, company support, build quality and ease of use the Aurenders set the standard.