New streamer

@signaforce I feel the same as you.  I think my system sounds amazing with the Node and I don't understand, from a technical standpoint, how a different streamer will improve the sound.  That being said I will eventually try one so my and I can judge for ourselves.  Many people, who I have no reason to doubt, said there is an improvement.  I have an open mind at this point.  Part of the fun is the process and simply listening to different gear.  

@12many 

Will do. It arrives Friday...we shall see. It sounds awful good now with my Node & Qutest, as my Qutest was a major improvement from my Schiit MM2. So I am thinking a subtle improvement. I hope to be surprised, but will be happy with any improvement. 

@signaforce I am one of many interested in your honest impressions of the N150 in comparison to your Node. Some people notice a difference and others don’t probably due in part to all the other variable.  

@zlone you probably are already aware but Schiit has a USB upgrade available for a very reasonable price. I had an older Yiggy a few years back and the SPDIF was better than the old USB at that time. You don’t say what model/edition Schiit you have but if an older version the upgrade could hold you over for a while. I have tried my N150 with a friends upgraded Yiggy and it was an improvement over the version I had.

@audphile1 That is very helpful, thanks. My DAC is due for replacement as well, but trying to spread things out a bit.

Comparing N200 outputs into the Bricasti M3 DAC in my system using DH Labs D750 coax cable and the “stock” Aurender USB cable, I prefer USB that sounds more open and dynamic witj bigger images and larger soundstage. And the DH Labs D750 is no slouch! Introducing AQ Diamond USB cable widens that gap even further. Don’t get me wrong, the SPDIF output sounds great! It’s smooth and natural. It still lacks behind USB though. I had exactly the same experience with Lumin - I preferred USB even to the AES/EBU using a fairly expensive digital AES cable.
So as long ss your DAC has a very good USB section, you should be fine with N150

@audphile1 Very clear, thanks for the explanation. It now makes sense why they do not include SPDIF in the lower models, do it right, or not at all.

@zlone there’s no simple answer. With spdif, the clock before the DAC matters the most, be it in the transport/streamer or a re-clocker that will take in USB and output either i2s or spdif or both.
with USB, your DAC’s USB processing is what you will rely on. The lower line Aurender models focus on USB and the design ensures galvanic and noise isolation so that your DAC can get as clean of a data stream as possible.

The reason why the higher Aurender models offer both USB and spdif is because of thr inclusion of clock that processes the digital signal before the spdif output. There’s a basic/decent clock in the N200, and sn excellent OCXO clock in the N20 and above.

So with streamers like Lumin U2 Mini, or U2, or Aurender N150 and N200, USB is the optimized and preferred interface to your DAC. Provided the DAC has a good USB section. Clear as mud? Lol

@avbronco32 I tried Linn Kazoo but ca t get Tidal to show up. It downloads with Qobuz but I use Tidal. Do you know how?

Addendum. @ghdprentice Aurender advocate, what interface do you use? I know some of the higher models support other output types.

I am contemplating a streamer upgrade as well and Innuos and Aurender (N150 as well) are in the mix. I have always used SPDIF, and it seems that these brands tend to limit the user to a USB interface. While my DAC has USB, it is not the latest from the vendor (Schiit), though probably still decent. Anyway, on to the question, what are people's thoughts on USB vs SPDIF? I know, large subject I am sure, but interested in thoughts. 

@mclinnguy yes the PC I am using was my previous streamer.  I should also point out however that there is an app available that works well as an app for the Lumin U2.
It is the Linn Kazoo app.
Only downside is you cannot access settings, however you can keep the Lumin app available for those circumstances.
 

@avbronco32 congratulations to you as well. I am not a Lumin expert, but don't you want your core in the U2? Is your PC your previous streamer? 

@audphile1 my thoughts exactly. Had I not been trading up to the N20 and getting ready to list my N150, giving me a reason to contact Aurender directly, I too would probably be passing along inaccurate information.  Still another reason manufacturers need to vet their dealers more carefully.

The dealers know the warranty clause. And if they don’t, it’s nearly as bad as playing this card to make a sale. It also downgrades the product, making it appear as potentially unreliable.

@signaforce  you're welcome. Hopefully you won't need to use it but nice to know its there if you do. It's ashame people who tout themselves as Authorized Dealers wouldn't know something like this or worse yet use it as a sales tactic. What's the world coming to 🤪

@marco1 

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing as I thought otherwise. Perfect!

Granted.....I haven't tried every network streamer on the market, but I recently upgraded to a Lumin U2 and I was amazed ("jaw dropping") at the sound quality difference it made.  I considered a lot of things; Aurender, HiFi Rose, Esoteric, Gold Note, etc. but already having a DAC that I love (Lampizator Baltic 3) I did not need an "all in one" solution. 
The soundstage width, height and depth all improved immensely.  The air around instruments, the reverb, the dynamic punch and low end extension.....all dramatically improved.   
My only complaint is that I found the Lumin iOS app to be counter intuitive and not the easiest to operate.  I do also have a Room Remote app and am using my PC as the Roon Core server.  I have heard that it may not sound as good (?) but haven't really spent that much time going back and forth as it sounds pretty darn good to me and I am enjoying the convenience of the Roon Remote app on my Dell laptop in the listening room. 
At my age (61) being happy with what you have is my goal and I think I am there.
(But I wonder what a new reference preamplifier might do for my system.......??  Hmm.....)
             

FYI to the OP and anyone else considering purchasing a used Aurender.  Not sure what dealer was giving out false information but I just corresponded with Aurender and their 2yr. Warranty is transferable. 

@signaforce

Upsampling upto 24bit/192kHz is only available on Aurender’s higher end digital models like N20, W20SE or N30SA through SPDIF/AES output. All of aforementioned models also features superior OCXO clock. USB is always bit-perfect with no digital signal processing. Your N150 will simply pass on the bits in Qobuz original available resolutions, 16/44.1kHz, 24/44.1kHz and 24/192kHz for internal processing by your external DAC.

Aurender’s analog players (with built-in DAC) are capable of upsampling any non-DSD files up to 705.6/768kHz through the analog outputs.

@mclinnguy @audphile1

Thank you!

To quote Cat Stevens… I am old… but I’m happy…

@signaforce there is no upsampling option with the Aurender. I think you might be thinking of the streaming service Quality setting that allows you to select a high res 24/192 option for Qobuz. It will simply allow Qobuz 24/192 album versions to be streamed. It won’t upsample. It just passes through the max available bit rate to match your DAC. 
For your Qutest, select that 24/192 

@lanx0003

Thank you for the clarification…

congratulations on your new digital front end @signaforce

Like Linn always stated, even before there was such a thing as digital:

"Our first-ever product, the modular and upgradeable Sondek LP12, revolutionised the hi-fi industry by demonstrating the huge musical difference a superbly engineered turntable could make to any hi-fi system. Its demonstrable ability to extract more music from the grooves of a record than the standard of the day led to the step-change in doctrine that the source component in a system, and not the loudspeakers, mattered most."

"Are you Digital or Analogue?

Either way you have to get it right at the source. The more musical information you retrieve from the source, the better the sound.

Information lost at the source is lost forever. No matter how good the amplifiers or loudspeakers that follow, you can’t get back what has already been lost, so it’s essential you put the best source possible at the front of your system."

Upsampling, which I believe is the subject to which you refer here, is not the same with upscaling in digital sound.  Also, 44/192?  You mean 24/192 i think.  

Aurender users, I was reading some of the user guides, and noticed they do upscaling. I know this is system dependent & that my results may vary, as a starting point, do you use it? If so, to what level. For example, the max that your DAC can handle, or some specific number like 44/192?

As a reminder my DAC is a Qutest and I stream Qubuz. Thanks!

Hello:

I had the Lumin U2 mini w SBooster LPS. Lovely combo, very nice SQ for the price point. Traded up to the U2 to take advantage of the built-in LPS and fiber input, as well as the dedicated USB jack.  Loving it!

The Lumin app isn’t fantastic, but after using it awhile, it’s pretty good. And there’s now an Apple Silicon version, so I can control the Lumin from my Mac or my idevices.

Good luck with your decision   Any way you go, you’re gonna love the upgrade. 
best, JAMES

@lalitk 

Perfect! That was one of the pluses mentioned by Upscale when I talked to them about my potential choices. 

Great to hear that was true!

Can’t wait until it arrives. 

@signaforce

All of those are very worthy consideration when buying a component unheard. If I may add, the stellar tech support from Aurender. Unless a hardware failure, everything else is easily troubleshooted remotely and promptly. This was a huge consideration for me to stay with Aurender for 10 plus years. In 10 plus years of owing 4 different streamer..Zero hardware failures. 

Great points. Another reason I selected the N150 was form factor (width). I needed to put my new streamer on the top shelf, left of my center. The A8 was too wide. 

Another factor was price. I bought it at 5:00 AM, the first day it was listed as a trade in at The Music Room. Less than 1 year old, no external marks, fully tested, 30 day return, 90 day warranty for $2,000, with CC & reward points! Wrong color (silver), but too good to be true. $350 cheaper, newer & in better shape than anything on the used market with all the benefits that TMR offers. Life is good!

The A8 is a great streamer and is beautiful. All the best!

Congratulations on finding gear you believe will suit your needs. These streamer threads are really heating up and my guess is will continue to do as more and more folk who love vinyl (As I do) are finding we are not missing anything via quality streaming if we go that route solely. Streamers will continue to improve and come down in price as dacs have. Many here will disparage Topping, SMSL etc but we cannot deny a $500 dac from them now would have cost thousands a few years ago.We are now seeing a similiar dynamic occur with high quality streamers. There will be those who would not consider an Eversolo and I’ve stated possibilities why in a previous post and I respect that, its your money. There is a forum member that created a thread listing all the dacs he has owned the list was impressive something like 30 dacs (I don’t remember, most high end) but what I do remember is him stating the Gustard A26 was amoung the best dacs he had ever experienced especailly for ithe price. I am not one to confuse price and value, a lower cost item is often a case of you get what you pay for, but every now and then there are market disruptors the Eversolo(s) are certainly that. I’ve had the A8 in my system for several days now and I am thoroughly impressed with it I’m not a Steve Huff fan but the "Goosebumps" thing is accurate,it is an incredible performer with and without the dac in use. Are there better streamers out there of course but for 2k the A8 is an extremely good value. As more get in the hands of members I hope will we get more first hand head to head comparisions as was posted here between it and the Hi Fi Rose 130,honestly I was not surprised by the outcomes, I climbed the same ladder.Yes the member finally found what he was looking for by way of a 6k unit but the fact that a 2k unit was second place...pretty impressive.

I mention all this for anyone trying to gleen information, not to put down or encourage anyones decisions if this helps great just sharing for the next person on a simliar journey, which is what this forum is supposed to be all about.

All the best!

@mojo771 

The Aurender N150 has only one review I can find, therefore I am not positive that it is vastly superior to the A6/A8. There are certainly no professional head to head tests. Steve Huff stated the Lumin U2 mini was superior to the A6 (& perhaps the A8.. I didn’t remember), so I eliminated EverSolo. I never really closely looked at them, but maybe a great choice. 

Most on this an other threads recommended Aurender, as did Upscale Audio. It has LPS, is a great brand, with a great following. Seemed like the right choice to me. 
Decisions… decisions. 

OP,

Congratulations. I am sure you will be very happy with your purchase. I look forward to hearing your thoughts when you receive it.

@signaforce Can you tell me your final thought process on the 150? I know its probably above somewhere but this was apparently a hot topic and the thread is getting quite long.

I’ve been reading really nice reviews for the Eversolo 6 and 8, and the price is right. The price is so right that I question how it compares to the Aurender 150 / 200 and the others on your short list.  I don't mind saving money, but I would consider the 150/200 if it was much better.  

Comparison reviews say the Eversolos are better than the Roses, which I have been hearing.  The screens are pretty but i think it makes the Rose too expensive for what you get.  I'm still looking for other comparisons, to the ones discussed above.

I’m also curious if you considered the A6/8 since they were in your budget and AA says they will be carrying them soon.

@mojo771 

This is a quote from another post. He too was questioning his Qutest purchase. He then bought an N150. He stated:

“The N150 is in-house and on its second day with 10 hours of total listening time.  I’ve got one main thing to say— the problem wasn’t my DAC. The Chord Qutest is a fully competent DAC when input by a really good streamer.“

YRMV, but I am already happy with my Qutest and look forward to the N150 taking it to the next level. 
That said, the A8 is very well reviewed. I believe Steve Huff loved it including the internal DAC. 

Most people recommend having a separate DAC. I bought my first DAC as a low cost solution to my new Marantz AVR having cheap TI DAC Chips because of the AKM fire. The low end Schiit was a significant improvement. My system has come a long way since then.
I have only had 3 DAC’s, and the first 2 were low end Schiit’s. I can only tell you that my new Qutest is heads & shoulders above my MM2, which was better than my Mani 2, which was much better than my AVR built in DAC. 
I will let you know the results with my N150, but YRMV. Regardless, I think you will see a significant improvement just moving from optical to USB. 

I'm looking at the Eversolo DNP-A8 as a possible upgrade to my Bluesound Vault 2.  I currently use an ethernet connection to my Vault > McIntosh 352 amp > tower speakers.  The vault does'nt seem to go much above CD quality so I recenlty got a Qutest DAC, so now, Vault > Qutest over optical > amp.  But I really don't see much , if any, improvement in SQ.  So now I'm looking at the A8, but my question is, if the DAC in the A8 is so good, why would anyone then need or want the Qutest.  A review I just read talked for paragraphs about how good the A8 DAC was and then he included the Qutest in the chain.  Why?  So now, if I want the best sound possible, do I keep the Qutest, return it and get the A8, or get something else - like the Aurender N150 or N200?

@lalitk 

Thank you! I think I will!

@signaforce

Looks like you’re all set!

From what I’ve read here, streamer probably the most under appreciated component in digital streaming. Many here believe that quality of streamer don’t or can’t possibly matter and high quality streamers are nothing more than a computer with fancy parts.

In my experience, the upper echelon brands like Aurender, listening becomes a highly sweet endeavor. I started out with N100 (10 years ago) and kept moving up within Aurender line. IMHO, Aurender streamers possess a highly engaging DNA and presents music in a balanced way.

Enjoy!

@lalitk 

Thank you, I think I will be very happy. Will do on the performance. Stealing my high quality PC from my AVR (with the recent add of my Rouge pre, it is now only used for HT). Bought a good quality USB cable (XLO UltraPLUS) & have quality CAT 8 LAN cable on order. Should be set! 

@signaforce

Congratulations on your purchase of N150. Please post your impressions once you’ve settled with N150. And you may already know this, N150’s performance can be further enhanced with a good quality PC, LAN and USB cables.

Go Oktoresearch and save space and money with a better preamp, dac and streamer all in one Stereophile A + rated unit. Get it for free when you sell your pre and dac!

Lindemann Limetree Bridge II.. but with an MCRU linear power supply. So good that in my room it matches the double the price Eversolo A8 (not A6, which is sibilant by comparison). 

j just bought a slightly used Aurender N150 at the Music Room. Thank you for all your recommendations, to come to the (I believe) right choice. I look forward to its arrival! Thanks again. 

I don't like to say anything negative about any product. It all comes down to personal taste. For my taste, I tried and was not a fan of the G1.1. I felt it was a bit dry and analytical. I notice that in this stream there haven't been many accolades  for it. 

@signaforce I have a U2 mini with an S-Booster.  I’ve had a Lumin P1, Auralic G2 Streamer, Node 2i and a Lumin D2 wSbooster.  Have also had various DAC’s.  I haven’t but wish I had the opportunity to try an Aurender Streamer.  The U2 Mini w/ SBooster is really hard to beat for the $$.  I have a PS Direct Stream MKii DAC, Krell 300xd Dou and a PS BHK pre.  The U2 Mini is right at home.  Lumin makes great products that offer great build quality.  I wouldn’t hesitate to add it to your system.  If you are talking to Upscale they’ll give you great advice.  They recommended Lumin to me when I started my digital journey.  From what I have read Aurender would be a can’t miss as well.  Good Luck. 

I own an Innuos Pulse, the best streamer I’ve ever owned. Your selections are all excellent but if your budget allows it, give the Pulse a consideration. The bonus is the excellent Innuos Sense app which allowed me to get rid of Roon. And their support is the best I’ve ever seen experienced too. Enjoy the journey!

@signaforce  you mentioned the Eversolo a6, there is an A8 out there now which reviews in another league over the A6....

@wlutke I tried that and it doesn't work. Got Roon acct fixed so 14 day trial so I can use my laptop.