Is Aurender N10 still a good option

I have owned  the n100,  n150 and the n10.  I still have them all, now using the n10 in speaker rig, n150 for headphones and secondary system.

My assessment:  

The n100 sounds great with local files  streaming is ok but not great.  Actually a great deal and a way to try Aurender.

N150 sounds even better with local files, streaming is much better than n100 but still not as good as local files.

N10 is quite a bit better than N150 with local files.  Streaming is really good, haven't yet decided, but may stop buying cd's and files.  Not sure yet, local files may still be better.  The only thing I don't like about the N10 is the hard drive is a bit slow compared to the ssd in the n150, and not user replaceable.  The N10 has the ocxo clock which makes the spidf outputs sound great, better than usb (though haven't compared all that much, tired of a/b ing)  at least with my yggdrasil.  The n200 does not have the ocxo clock, you would have to step up to the n20 which is much more expensive.  You can get an n10 for close to 3k.

I was a bit leery of such an old player, so tried to make sure I bought one that is relatively new. It is built like a tank.   Mine was originally bought in 2019.  I have heard upgrades were made during the manufacturing life of the model, don't know for sure.

Roon would be nice as the conductor app is pretty good, but a bit lacking for classical anyway.  But roon is not great  for finding your local files especially if you like classical.  As you get used to conductor it gets better and you find ways to get what you want.    I use the qobuz app sometimes just to look for new music etc. and info from roon is available other places.  Plus I found roon quite a pain, core would stop working etc. had to spend quite a bit of time on it.  The rumour is that newer models will eventually be roon enabled.

Best of luck but Aurender is indeed a good choice

I use a lumin x1 streamer/dac using roon. Got a separate power supply which is ideal.

I find this outstanding. The dac inclusion is done extremely well don't have to worry about all the external BS wiring interconnects. And the temptation to switch a dac all the time. I have two dacs that are mothballed right now.

Aurender sounds nice.

Thanks to everyone here for all of the advice. I have some solid direction now.

@saulh

I have been using the Bluesound Node 2i for a few years as a streamer only. About a year ago I tried the N10 and was just not impressed. I really tried to love it and got a great deal used. I kept going back and forth and could just not appreciate much. I seem to be the outlier piece of data you would throw out LOL. I am only suggesting you watch the market close and be sure you get a nice price and consider also picking up a Node from Crutchfield or also a used one and compare for yourself. If you feel the same then you have $2000 or more to use elsewhere. 

I was calling random dealers last week looking for a specific set of interconnects.  One of them was very inquisitive and asked about my whole system and I told him of my experience.  He said to not give up on Aurender and suggested I try an A15 to have an all-in-one.  I think that or a dCS Bartok will be my next big purchase.

Good luck with your digital!

I have an N100C and it’s been a great addition to my system.  I don’t have experience with the N10, but I do not think you can go wrong with Aurender.  I had an issue with the LCD display on my unit and the support team at Aurender was absolutely fantastic.  They replaced the LCD at no charge and updated the firmware as well.  They were great to deal with and very focused on my satisfaction with their products.  There is something to be said for that!!  Good luck.