Thats a shame it didn’t work out for you. So you were using the N10 with a ARC DAC8 and there wasn’t a substantial improvement over the Node2i? I’m curious to know, what USB or Coax cable were you using? The DAC8 is a fantastic unit.
Node2i to Aurender N100SC…WoW!
Just a quick post for Bluesound Node2i owners who are pondering what to upgrading to…let me tell you, The Aurender (N100SC) is a **HUGE** step up from the Node. I was using a Node2i with all the tweaks (Cullen pc, cat8, fat dot feet and Cardas lightning 15 coax) the Aurender is all around jaw droppingly better (no golden ears here either). I’m using a Virtual Dynamics PC and the same coax and CAT8 as before. No regrets whatsoever on the money spent. Amazing.
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@dhite71 - so at first you were impressed but then not. This is very discouraging as I was ready to upgrade my Node with the N100SC. Lost the bid so now I guess I'm happy. I too use vinyl as my primary source. Pretty good setup too. But I am also impressed with my Node and recently aquired Pontus II. I was (and stiil am) expecting the Aurender to take it up to the next level. Could you elaborate a little bit more? Could it be that unless your digital is absolutely as good as your analog its just not good enough? I've had the purple heart and I can't imagine an analog setup with that cartridge making a pretty good digital setup not worth holding onto. |
@jl1ny - Yes, the DAC8 is my only DAC now so I was comparing the N10 to the Node 2i both delivering the signal with the same Cardas Clear Coax. I reactivated my account with Qobuz for this as I have been using Amazon with my Node2i. With the Node2i, I was unable to hear much difference between Amazon hi-res and Qobuz. This too seems to be unanimous in our circle that Qobuz is superior...so I may not be the best judge for streaming. This stuff is so darn subjective and I don't mean to discredit your experience in any way nor question your upgrade. I really think statistically I am the outlier here and should probably be removed from the data set LOL.
@marco1 - To continue my above response, don't let my experience stop you from giving Aurender a chance in your system. I have been a vinyl guy for about 15 years and a tube guy for the past 5. Solid state and streaming are often not as pleasing to my ears. That DAC8 really elevated my streaming in a way that sounds less 'digital/solid state' even though it does not have any tubes on board. I believe I was expecting too much out of this upgrade and simply was not going to be happy with that investment so I checked my option to walk away and it was there immediately. There was a really nice guy looking for a black N10 and the deal was done. I am super happy with my analog and the streaming does all I need at this point. |
@dhite71 - i know what you mean about digital not being pleasing sometimes. I've been a tube and vinyl guy for more than 50yrs. But with the improvements in digital in just the last few years I guess my ears are becoming more foregiving. Or even more likely I've gotton too lazy to get up every 15 minutes :-) |
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