DAC for Aurender N200


For past 2 years I have been running Aurender N200 into Musical Fidelity M6s DAC. The DAC is built like a tank and very versatile, but I must connect via coax since Aurender clock is superior to DAC clock.
Well, I am ready to upgrade DAC for SQ reasons and presently inclining to PSAudio MkII for US mfr, good reviews, good service, current bargain price.
Q1: What DAC (<$8k) would you consider an optimal match for the N200?
Q2: N200 has very few outputs compared with other streamers in its price class.
I know Aurender has always inclined to USB. All else being equal, is USB the best output?

 

hickamore

Showing 3 responses by soix

@willywonka  Yeah I was aware the clock in the streamer is basically a non issue for USB, but the info on the TXCO clock was interesting.   That said, my Iris has a TXCO clock and I still notice a significant improvement although I’m using the i2S connection so not sure how much each is contributing. 

My understanding is if you use USB then you don’t get the benefits of the excellent clock in the N200, which would seem like a waste.  I believe @audphile1 has mentioned the best connection to use is AES/EBU with the N200, but not sure on that but it makes some sense.  For the DAC, it totally depends on what improvements and sound characteristics you’re looking for — let that be your guide and if you share that info you’ll get some great recommendations here.