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
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@jfrmusic Thanks for the gear compliment!

My experience with Benchmark vs. Holo Audio is a good question.  The Benchmark is excellent for the money, but the Holo Audio was smoother, bigger soundstage, better bass, mids, and just produced a better analogue sound to me.  Again, not a night and day difference, but a noticeable difference.  The Holo Audio recommended break time is about 400-500 hours.  It sounded much better once I had it broken in.
 

I have learned that the room is the biggest component in the system and it can make or break your system.  My comparisons have been in the same room, so that eliminates excuses for the DACs.  However, variables, variables, variables.  By that I mean, the Holo Audio DAC may sound better with the Holo Audio Serene preamp vs. your Benchmark preamp, different digital cable offerings, etc?  If you plan to keep your Benchmark DAC, you’ll be able to compare both DACs with it, but you won’t get to hear the same brand pairing with the Holo Audio unless you’re able to demo the Serene preamp in the chain.
 

I hope that helps.

@dbt 

 

Thanks again for your thoughtful response. It’s always a challenge when considering a component upgrade that is basically fine but may now be surpassed by newer technology. The May might be a nice move from my DAC3 as would the Tambaqui or dCS Lina. But those last two are more than twice the price of the May. 
 

Too many choices and not many to actually compare side by side. 

@jfrmusic No problem!

If I had to choose one of those DACs you mentioned without hearing them, I’d probably get the Mola Mola.  I bought the MSB Discrete because it’s been my first choice of upgrade without hearing it in “my” system and I have no regrets.  I had my eye on the T+A DAC200 as well.  That might be worth considering too.  DCS has a phenomenal reputation, but I didn’t include it in my list of DACs to pursue.

Godspeed to you and keep us posted!