Aurender N200 - DAC compatability


Hi,

I recently purchased a new Aurender N200 and find that it does not recognize my DAC for Native DSD. My DAC is a CEC DA5 and received the following response from the distributor - "unless the aurender can install a driver - it will not be possible to run dsd. the driver is needed for the system to recognise the machine and without the driver for the aurender, it will not recognize the da5."

I reached out to Aurender support and was told this would not be possible.

I'm really happy with every other aspect of my N200 and it sounds amazing in my system playing PCM files. The DSD thing is just a little frustrating. Anyone else have similar experiences?

128x128pgreene

Thanks for the info!

My DAC is capable of processing up to native DSD256 and will indicate same on its front panel. Aurender support say they 'cannot make it work' which threw me a bit as I thought they took pride in being compatible with anything thrown at them.

I get that DoP will unpack the DSD file and am experimenting. It won't spoil my enjoyment of the music! :-)

Cheers

Good way to approach it! There’s a lot of high res content on Qobuz that sounds incredible with N200. I rarely go to my library to play DSD  

 

@pgreene ,

I have an N200 and I plugged into my Denifrips DAC and it worked fine.  I never gave it a thought. How old is your DAC? Maybe it can work on some generic drivers?
All the best.

@curiousjim

I have some questions about your setup since I plan to have a similar one (Aurender to Denafrips) with either the N200 or N20 ( I am still undecided if the N20 is worth the extra money over an N200).
My connection setup:
Windows 10 i5 computer with Audirvana, USB to Denafrips Gaia DDC., XLR to Denefrips Terminator DAC, and XLR to PS Audio BAK Signature Pre Amplifier (a tubed input stage).  Most of my audio listening is through a streaming service.


Before I go any further, I must admit that my current setup with the Windows computer sounds wonderful, with great clarity and detail.  I am looking for a better sound stage and bass.  I do not know if any streamer can give this to me.

A few questions:
1) Did you compare the N200 to any other streamer before you purchased it?
2) What does the N200 do that you really like?
3) Is there anything that you feel you are missing?
4) What type of cables are you using to connect your boxes?

Thank you for your time and response.