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Aurender Model Choices

Before I ask my question let me provide some context.

My system includes the following:

New MacBook Air Running itunes/Music serving hundreds of stored CDs

Macbook connected to my Benchmark DAC3 via Audioquest Coffee USB Cable

DAC balanced connection to Benchmark HPA4 PreAmp

PreAmp balanced connection to Benchmark ABH2 Amp

Benchmark Amp connected to Harbeth C7es-XD Speakers

This configuration has provided a neutral clean, and balanced sound. Really no complaints. However I wanted to add Streaming. So I Signed up for Qobuz and downloaded the App to my MacBook. Using WiFi I found that the Qobuz stream offered superior sound quality to my local CD library. Even Redbook CD quality was better plus the HiRes albums were really good

So now I need to get a dedicated Streamer. Using the MacBook is not convenient and from what I’ve read a Streamer should offer additional SQ enhancement. I’ve done a lot of research and really like the Aurender products plus when I recently purchased my speakers I auditioned them with an Aurender Model 100. The sound was excellent. I plan to go back in a few weeks to audition the $6k N200 model. I’m sure it will sound very good but I will be left wondering what does the N20 sound like? How much better can it be for another $6K? Unfortunately my dealer doesn’t have one to audition and neither does any other dealer near me. I’ve read comments on several forums that the N20 is twice as good as the N200 or that the N200 is nipping at the heals of the N20 or that the N20 just offers a 20% increase in SQ or the N20 blows the N200 out of the water. Without a side by side audition I’m struggling with paying twice the price without a demonstrable and significant SQ improvement. I would expect a SQ that once heard I could never settle for the less expensive model. In my recent experience a more expensive model does’t always win. When buying my speakers I auditioned the Harbeth C7es-XD and the more expensive 30.2 XD model. After almost an hour of back and forth I preferred the lower priced model.

So to conclude has anyone had the opportunity to audition the N20 and N200 together?

If so please Specifically what if any SQ differences did you hear and were they worth an additional $6k?

As I listen to my system streaming from my MacBook with wonderfully smooth, clean HiRes sound  I wonder can I actually get significantly more improvement for $6k or $12K?

Thanks for any info and experiences you can provide.

jfrmusic
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,325 posts
 


that’s exactly right! You end up listening too hard for differences and it takes a toll on you. The enjoyment of music moves to background.
 

When your digital reaches certain level what I’ve noticed is vinyl becomes a throwback. It’s like shaving with a straight razor, soap and badger brush once in a while…amazing experience but it isn’t an everyday day kind of thing. 

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
275 posts
 

Here’s another thread, this one on Roon Labs, where several Benchmark DAC owners swear by their Raspberry Pi’s - one discusses his comparison to an Aurender unit:

 

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,514 posts
 

I found the Aurender A10 i owned to be over rated at best in my system. The one thing I could not get past was the Aurender App its just not up to the standards i expected for the money spent, its rather a let down to just about every other app out there. I used the A10 as a streamer only as the internal DAC was mediocre at best. Supper well made though i'll given them that. 

I believe now after many streamers the DAC and its ability to filter out the nasties is much more important then a multi Kilo$ Streamers that are out there. I found after 4 streamers now the interface is supper important for long term enjoyability.

I also do not find that significant of a difference with these supper expansive streamers. And yes my system is resolving enough to hear the differences, Maybe due to my Chord Dave DAC just keeping the crap out of the signal but I can't hear significant differences that I would say are night and day and/or worth the big $ some of these streamers demand.   

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,325 posts
 

I tried Conductor v3 and yes it’s not the best. But I can tell you the latest v4 is really nice. Still not on par with Roon but light years better than Lumin app and comparable to Auralic LDS. 

jfrmusic OP
125 posts
 

@audphile1 

 

Finally connected using my iPad. iPhone no go.  Strange. 
 

You have certainly had quite an iteration of equipment. Very nice system. Are the PASS amps still there. Also how did you get those heavy amps home and into you room?

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