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

You're welcome timski! I'll be curious as to your thoughts on this.  

It could be a synergistic thing with the Chord DAVE.  I'm not sure how many DAC's still have an optical connection, but I believe MSB does also.  

Just received My new N20 Replacing a N200. The N20 is connected cardas usb to Holo May KTE. Using My Pass 250, breaking in new TRIANGLE - 40th Anniversary Comete EZ. I had been through a lot of streamers. From all the Eversolo models A6 to A8. I tried the Hi fi Rose 130 transport. It was pretty but it did not sound good in my system. Then I got a good deal on a Aurender N200 and bliss returned. Kept reading the opinions on the Aurender models and decided to try the next level. What a Difference!! The triangles and not suppose to be about bass, and they were not. Just a nice even beautiful midrange. That all change with the N20. They now sound like a sub is on. Really hard to believe the difference. Soundstage is huge and detail is much improved, shockingly so. I still would recommended the N200 to anybody, but the N20 in my system is on a whole different level. 

People think I'm crazy when I tell them in my experience I've heard bigger differences between music server/ streamers than between DACs. 

Finally got my Aurender N20 and MSB Discrete DAC. The MSB took 3 weeks to arrive. I’m running the MSB direct into my AHB2. Tried the HPA4 and direct method was significantly better. So far sounds really good will post more after I give it a break in time. But I can say the soundstage is excellent especially depth and the low end solid and impactful. Highs are smooth. Looking forward to see how it improves over the next week  as it burns in. Already sounds better after 4 hours. How do I post a photo of my setup?