Clock vs Streamer advice

@blisshifi 

If you don’t mind, let’s circle back on data cable. This is an experimental project on both sides and I would like to first see if this cable would make any audible improvements. I went through considerable trouble to source special connectors and the wire that is touted to be next level In digital data transfer. I will gladly share more info once I had a chance to compare with stock data cable. 

Did you hear audible improvement with your custom power umbilical? 

As far as fuse goes, my go to reference is HiFi Tuning Supreme Cu. 

“I strangely found it more fatiguing for long sessions.”

@zpatenaude37 

While I respect your decision to go with network card option w/Bricasti….the N200 is anything but fatigued sounding. My best guess, you are now used to N100 laid back and slightly recessed sound. Whereas N200 is more dynamic, detailed and has a better much frequency extension and slam. Just my .02 cents. 

@audphile1 

All we know it’s in the works and newer generation Aurender will be compatible as Roon endpoint. You still need to source another piece of hardware to run as a Roon Core. Personally, anything off the shelf NUC or mass produced laptop to run Roon core will be a non-starter for me. I will not likely try Roon on my N30SA until Aurender comes out with a customized solution to run Roon Core 😊

@mazian

Which app you found best to browse classical music?

Another vote for buying a better streamer and the one with a clock input is a definite plus! 

@mazian

Thanks for sharing your feedback. I have the luxury of toggling between ROON and Conductor and didn’t find much difference as far as search results for classical albums or artists. Since most of the classical composition shared by various artists / composers, I pay close attention to key words while searching for classical albums. I still prefer Conductor app over ROON for optimal SQ and its ability to keep my rips/downloads separate from Qobuz stream. Conductor also allows me to create folders and neatly put them on menu bar for easy access. Whereas ROON merges everything in one library (not my personal preference). I do agree, Qobuz native app is pretty good and I use it frequently when I am away from my main system.

“the device you will be running your Roon core on will be the least of your problems. It’s unlikely to make any difference.”

@audphile1 

I hope you are right. That’s not been my experience with other Roon ready devices. Maybe Aurender can keep bitstream as faithful and exquisite through Roon as they have managed to do so through Conductor app. We will see! 

@blisshifi

Juan, I am certainly not holding my breath for ROON..LOL!

Did you ever experimented with external clock on your N30SA? I have been on a roll with ‘clock’ cables for past 3 months. It’s been so much fun learning and splitting hairs at the same time. Who would thought a clock cable can be so impactful for overall audio fidelity. All of my cables were under $1K, from $150 and up. The latest one, SOtM dCBL BNC 50ohms cable is freakin amazing. I am hearing significant uplift in terms of textural cues, a broader soundstage, more air, amazingly lush and balanced tonality. There is this deeper depth, low end slam and definition without sacrificing any detail. One of my favorite tracks, If You Go by Shirley Horn. Truly a reference track to showcase your system. And, listen to Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Tony Overwater_Yuri Honing…the tenor sax gives me goosebumps each time I cue up this track.

Kudos to Aurender, for including Master Clock option on their top tier streamers.

@blisshifi 

Voodoo vs N30SA should be an interesting comparison. I heard noticeable improvement on N20 with external clock which prompted me to pursue N30SA. I am also awaiting on custom data cable in next few weeks. And lastly, the fuse upgrade in my N30SA once the data cable fully broken-in. 

“I really, really believe that the clocking in the server is a very real thing”

+1, @ghasley on the importance of clocking in a server/streamer. I have taken a slightly extreme approach by addressing the clocking in a streamer and DAC with a very high quality external master clock that has yielded to a very satisfying listening experience. 

@zpatenaude37

As far as Conductor App, stable as ROCK in my system. Unable to maintain connectivity is indicative of unstable WiFi network or perhaps a setting in Conductor app. Have Aurender run a diagnostic check…there is a solution for this!