Aurender or Lumin streamer only?


So here is my question.  I am interested in streaming using the dac in my Esoteric K-03xd SACD player.  Is there anyone that has used the Aurender N200 or N20 in comparison to the newer Lumin U2 in a similar situation?  Roon is not a driver and at this point I will only be using it as a streamer from one of the services.  Any specifice sonic or functional differences noted?  I will probably be using a USB cable between the streamer and the Esoteric.  Thanks.     

goose

 

mazian

311 posts

 

If you stream mainly classical music forget the Aurender app as it doesn't know what a composer is.
 

None of the streamer apps can sort qobuz or tidal by composer. But the search works well. 

The Lumin streamer is great. The Leedh volume control on the streamer is almost as good as the volume control on my Benchmark LA4 preamp. The Leedh is not perfect at very low volume.

Lumin has a new $9k streamer that seems like the internals of the X1 DAC/streamer stripped out and the DAC part dropped. I had the X1 and I thought the streamer part was great.

If you want to save some cash get a Sonore OpticalRendu.

I know this is no help to you, but I’ve narrowed it down to the N200 for me, wife permitting that is.

Can anyone add their experience or comparison with the PSAudio Air Lens Streamer?

Go for Lumin and use Roon. Or if you want to save money get an Eversolo DMP-A6. Excellent streaming and app. 

If you stream mainly classical music forget the Aurender app as it doesn't know what a composer is.

I am an Aurrender fan and have two and auditioned others. Based on reviews and comments here the N200 outperforms the Lumin in sound quality and the N20 significantly outperforms the N200. Given your DAC you want the N20 it is much quieter and more dynamic. The Conductor app that comes with Aurrender is well regarded and their customer service top notch.

@goose I had the same question. No one seemed to have had a shoot out between the U2 and the N200.
I ended up getting the N200. Lumin gives you roon endpoint capability. Its native app is just not good. Despite being a Roon user I wanted to try the Aurender. So far no regrets but I do miss Roon with its information rich UI and ability to pull artwork for the local music files.

Edit - @lalitk is right about the cables. I have tried two power cords so far on the N200 and it reacts well. 

Between the two brand, I will pick Aurender. The Conductor app, sound/build quality and tech support favors Aurender.  For USB only use, go with N200 and use a high quality USB cable and PC with N200.  

Consider N20 only if you plan to upgrade your DAC down the road. 

It all depends on the quality of the Esoteric USB implementation. Finding a streamer that reclocks USB seems important: InnuOS Pulsar?