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750$ Intel NUC vs $6000 Aurender N200: I don't hear the difference

I finally plunged into the source is as important as the DAC belief that is quite prevalent here and decided to test out Aurender N200. And given I have a very highend DAC, thought if the N200 pans out I would go for the N20 or N30.

 

I was expecting the N200 to blow away my Intel NUC which is 10th gen, core i7, 8GB and running Roon Rock BUT I am switching back and forth between USB playing the Roon Rock, and Co-axial playing Aurender N200, and I don't hear much of a difference maybe a hair, or not even that.

 

A few caveats: 1) Roon Rock is playing Quboz, N200 is playing Tidal (I am unable to get Qobuz login to the N200 for reason I don't understand).

2) I am comparing Coaxial on N200, USB on Roon Rock.

Caveat #2 can be ignored because I don't hear a difference between Coaxial and USB output of N200.

 

So either this is an "Emperor has no clothes" moment or I am missing something big. Any thoughts on what I might be missing before I send this N200 back to the dealer on Monday.

 

Rest of my system: Nagra TUBE DAC -> Accuphase E-650 -> Devore O96 and all Acoustic Revive wiring. 

essrand

Showing 1 response by musicmann1

musicmann1
96 posts
 

I currently use an INTEL NUC. When I first introduced it into my system I also had a Innuos ZEN III. MY NUC, has a decent dedicated LPS (KECES P8) and I used Windows 10 (didn’t go the Linux route due to set up issues). My NUC with Windows 10 wasn’t even optimised (no Fidelizer, etc.), other than there are no other programs being used( other than what’s preloaded in Windows) except for ROON CORE. I did however, have the physical isolation of my NUC somewhat optimsed ( it sat on a SHAKTI ELECTROMAGNETIC platform, which sat on some Stillpoints. I also placed two WALKER lead pucks on top of the NUC). After several weeks of back and forth I can’t say that the INNUOS offered any real sonic benefit. In fact if anything I “ Slightly “ preferred the NUC.

YMMV

CHEERS.....

 

 

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