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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

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dz13
204 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?

norust
44 posts
 

I am still early on with the N200.... 

Presently connected to my DAC with USB and will plan on running with this over the next 30 days before testing Coax.  I have yet to store any music.  My current DAC is the Schitt Yggdrasil LIM which I have had in my system about a year.  No complaints whatsoever about the quality of sound from this DAC but will likely be looking to step up in 2024.  I deliberately spent more on my streamer so I wouldn't have to go through a replacement/upgrade process with this anytime soon.  

Re advice on the set up - its very straightforward and took me about 30 minutes.  Aurrender provided a solid quick start guide - just make sure to check all your connections.  I know a few posters have had issues with connectivity between their iPad and Conductor.  Hope this helps! 

dz13
204 posts
 

Thanks. 

ghdprentice
6,469 posts
 

Congrats on you folks that have bought an Aurrender N200. It is likely the Sp/DIF connection will sound better and that the Yggdrasil will hold back the performance somewhat… but I am sure you will really enjoy the streamer.

dz13
204 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. 

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