Looking for an All in One DAC/Streamer/Server


I don't own a separate DAC or a CD player with one that can be used.  Rather than buy separates I am looking for a "single" box that will let me stream Tidal and have internal storage for ripping my CDs.  My budget is flexible..to a point.  At either end of my budget is the Bluesound Vault 2 and the Aurender A10.  I have a couple of questions in this regard.  First, what other single box units would you recommend within that price range?  Secondly, just how much difference in sound quality is there between a $1200 unit like the blue sound and a $5500 unit like the Aurender?  These devices do essentially the same thing and both seem to be highly regarded. What is the likely performance differences to be heard between these two players?  I understand the law of diminishing returns with regard to high end gear and have experience with differences between $1200 speakers and $5000 speakers...and other components.  But this streamer/server world is new to me.  Not looking for solution to this first world problem necessarily but like to hear some opinions and the experiences of those who have made this addition to their system.
randyhat

Showing 1 response by mahler123

I have the Bluesound but I don't know much about the Aurender. The Bluesound has an ok DAC but sounds much better when I play it through external DACs that cost several times the price of the Vault.  It sounds indistinguishable from any other digital source run through the same DACs.
  I would imagine the Aurender must have a killer DAC if it costs that much.  I don't know what other features it has vs the Bluesound.  My advice would be to get the Bluesound and use it for a while.  You can always upgrade the DAC for far less than the differential in price between these two products