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  3. 186889-98929

Looking for intermediate-step Streamer: better than BS Node and not @ Bartok level pricing

Hi

I have a BS Node.  Yggy DAC.  BAT electronics, Shunayata PCs, AQ SC, and Vienna Acoustic Beethoven Grand Reference Speakers in a wonderful room. I also have a Linn, Shelter 901 MKII and top of the line BAT phono preamp. It all sounds lovely.  I borrowed a Bartok.  AMAZING!!!  And then I returned it, as I cannot afford that level of playback.  I am interested in upgrading my STREAMER -- I think.  (Yes, I know I could upgrade my fuses, room treatment, and everything else I own....)

I am curious to learn if there is a MID-POINT step that others suggest before I spend $25K on the ultimate STREAMER/DAC setup when I retire in a zillion years.  It seems absurd that my system is dependent upon a $550. piece of equipment.  

 

I am looking for natural sound.  3-D.  I listen to jazz, classical, and rock from the 60s-90s.  No club music/ insane bass.  When the Bartok was in my system, I felt like I was listening to vinyl.  What might be a good landing place for the next DECADE or so??

Thanks in advance.

Joe

jmfawdofile

Showing 5 responses by dz13

dz13
281 posts
 

@norust I wonder if you've had an opportunity to receive the N200 and give initial impressions. Inquiring minds and all. 

dz13
281 posts
 

@norust Congrats. I've also bit on the Aurender N200 and it is expected Wednesday. A few questions.

Have you tried both USB and Coax connections? If so, which do you prefer? What DAC are you using? Have you stored local music yet? If so, any advice for getting that going?

dz13
281 posts
 

Thanks. 

dz13
281 posts
 

That's what I've heard so I've ordered a decent coax cable. Going to connect it to a T+A Dac 200 which is still in its box. Going to be interesting. I have a decent USB cable too so I may test out both. 

dz13
281 posts
 

@norust ​​​ and ​@jmfawdofile I'm in the same boat. I would really like to know what you (norust) think about the Aurender N200 as that is one I'm looking at closely. I don't think I want to buy Aurender used as they don't transfer warranties and I've read from posters that the service to authorized buyers is really good with many updates to the OS. 

I traded a nice integrated tube amp for a T+A 200 Dac which I haven't received yet (a week or two) and I want to have local storage as well as streaming. Right now I play from a PC through an ifi IDSD dac to the receiver so I think there may be quite a lot of improvement to a system I think sounds really great right now (because of the speakers and replacement integrated tube amp). 

So I would definitely like to hear how others like the Aurender or anything similar. 

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