I couldn’t agree with you more! I believe it’s the mindset that if I use Node as a transport to transmit bits then a more expensive streamer won’t matter 😊
Streamer upgrade? follow up.
I posted the first part of this earlier in the week. There are a few other threads running concurrently here about this same subject.This is my personal experience with this situation.Ive been using a Aurender A100 streamer/dac which is they’re entry level unit, the SQ wasn’t horrible but I was pretty sure I could get it better.In a attempt to do that I purchased a Denafrips Pontus two and a DhLabs Mirage Usb cable to use with the A100 utilizing its Usb out.The two local hi fi dealers here in SO Cal both told me this would not produce much of an result and in my opinion after trying it they were both correct. So… as I stated in the first post I was coming from a “bit is bits” perspective which was I was convinced adding a better Dac would accomplish my goals, I just couldn’t believe that the zeros and ones could possibly effect the quality of sound. But not being one to give up I decided in for penny in for a pound Id see for myself if there was anything to the other side of this conversation, I wanted a new toy for Xmas anyway.So I traded my A100 plus some cash to TMR ( nice people btw) for a shiny new Aurender N200 which arrived yesterday. Last night the moment of truth, I hooked up the new unit with the exact same everything as before in my system nothing different but the streamer.I let the tubes and everything else warm up for a few hours,picked a song I knew inside and out sat down and pressed play. Immediately within the first few notes of the Stones “ Wild Horses “ I knew I had made the right choice and that I was wrong believing bits are bits “. I really don’t have adequate language to describe the difference in sound quality other than to say I feel like Im in someone else’s home listening to they’re far superior system, its that drastic.I can with complete confidence say this has got to be one of if not the most significant upgrades Ive made in my system, scouts honor! PS. Grinin ear to ear here.
Showing 17 responses by lalitk
Congratulations! I believe N200 is now the new sweet spot (previously held by N10) in Aurender lineup. With an appropriate DAC, you’re treated with a sound that has plenty of low frequency extension and slam. The new improved line up retains the same level of transparency and coherency but it’s the much improved perceived details that simply seduces you with a relaxed flow of music. Enjoy! |
Thanks for chiming in with your ethernet optimization. There are quite a ways to skin the cat, as long as one is open to trying. Personally I found fiber, while effective in lowering noise didn’t sound fuller and organic. To my ears, through fiber optic kit the sound became less engaging and musical when compared to all copper Ethernet cables plus ENO filter kit. I try to not clutter my space so other than ENO (at the time) delivering more immersive experience, I really appreciated the passive approach without the need for multiple PSU’s. Both ENO and Muon passive filters offers amazing sonic upgrades, albeit at higher cost but totally worth it in my opinion. There is another upgrade, which is not talked about enough here. N200 comes with Earth/Ground Terminal. Connecting this terminal to an external ground box like Entreq grounding box further lowers the noise floor yielding to more relaxed and organic flow of music. |
Thanks for outlining your Ethernet setup. I say, enjoy your time with N200 until you’re ready to ‘tinker’ with Ethernet. Don’t know how long is your Blue Jeans Cat 8 cable run is? If it’s a shorter run like under 2M, then I recommended trying the ENO or Muon streaming system which comes with their excellent LAN cables on both ends for most bang for your buck. If you’re using a longer run then keep the BJ Cat 8 and just get the ENO filter which comes standard with a captive pig tail LAN cable for streamer end. The market is flooded with inexpensive noise suppression alternatives so try and compare them at your will…IME, most serve as band aids and doesn’t quite measure up to a much superior noise filtering solution like ENO or Muon. Bookmark the thread started by @ketchup, lots of alternative noise suppressing gadget recommendations. |
Thanks for your post and kudos for keeping an open mind. General purpose laptop are just that, they are not optimized for high resolution audio. Music is an emotional experience, the better the sound, the more you feel! The big question is what are you willing to do, to attain the sound that has the power to move and engage us. I am convinced that once you’ve had a taste of high quality sound, you’ll never want to go back. But if you still have doubts, all I can say is: Retune your ears! |
I would keep the ‘No name’ 30FT CAT8 LAN cable from router as is and insert ENO filter ahead of N200. ENO comes with no questions asked 30days return policy. And lastly, try different USB cable between N200 and DAC for the nth degree of improvements. The ENO USB III or Kimber KSUSB-HB are the finest USB cables I’ve tried in my system that are truly exemplary. I recommend making these changes incrementally so you can properly access the effectiveness of each upgrade. If you haven’t picked up yet, I subscribe to ‘everything matters’ philosophy. My ‘Digital’ system is listed here for your reference. |
“I am happy to try an Aurender and am not afraid of spending $ for value” If that’s the case, why not borrow N200 or N150 from your local dealer and listen, compare in your own system. Wouldn’t an audition in your system be easier way to settle this matter rather than few of us trying to convince you. You’ve already read few posters reporting their direct experience with N200 over Node. How many more posters will it take to convince you, do you have a number in mind? |
“For me, this is just a dirty business and I would not like to contribute despite that SQ is so important for me.” And please STOP insinuating how anyone here should spend their hard earned money or savings! |
“Charity comes from the heart not the wallet.” I couldn’t agree with you more! There are many who have the means to give, but not the heart to shell out a dime. BTW, your reply to audiotroy was precious 🤣 |
“the Node is good enough to discover new artist via streaming” I agree, if one’s purpose from streaming is to discover music then a Node, Raspberry Pi or Allo Digi One type of devices are more than adequate. Tidal offers FREE access to their 90+million song catalog to all those who wants to use streaming for discovering music. |
Check out Entreq Macro ground box Kit and read up on basic principles of grounding. I am using total of 4 Entreq Boxes, one per component (2 Macro Boxes and 2 Silver Minimus) in my system. The idea is to drain away noise/interference/pollutants into the connected ground box. And it works beautifully yielding to a calm, organic and refined presentation by lowering noise floor. |
Thanks for the compliment. The amp stands are by Core Audio Designs. As far as grounding box from Entreq and Acoustic Revive, there is no secret to what’s inside. The description can be found on their respective websites. I have not attempted to open them nor have any desire to do so….they simply works! Both Entreq and Acoustic Revive are equally effective in lowering the noise floor. |