You know what? You save me a $6000, I will buy a mini desktop HP and upgrade memory, ssd instead throw $6000 over a door. Thank you so much friend
750$ Intel NUC vs $6000 Aurender N200: I don't hear the difference
I finally plunged into the source is as important as the DAC belief that is quite prevalent here and decided to test out Aurender N200. And given I have a very highend DAC, thought if the N200 pans out I would go for the N20 or N30.
I was expecting the N200 to blow away my Intel NUC which is 10th gen, core i7, 8GB and running Roon Rock BUT I am switching back and forth between USB playing the Roon Rock, and Co-axial playing Aurender N200, and I don't hear much of a difference maybe a hair, or not even that.
A few caveats: 1) Roon Rock is playing Quboz, N200 is playing Tidal (I am unable to get Qobuz login to the N200 for reason I don't understand).
2) I am comparing Coaxial on N200, USB on Roon Rock.
Caveat #2 can be ignored because I don't hear a difference between Coaxial and USB output of N200.
So either this is an "Emperor has no clothes" moment or I am missing something big. Any thoughts on what I might be missing before I send this N200 back to the dealer on Monday.
Rest of my system: Nagra TUBE DAC -> Accuphase E-650 -> Devore O96 and all Acoustic Revive wiring.
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@metaldetektor That is correct. But I need USB output for DSD in my DAC. So what's a guy got to do. If your server retails at 10K$ or whereabouts, can't you optimise USB as well? Is that too much to ask, many DACs NEED USB for DSD streaming. Another point, if only the AES/SPDIF is reclocked and resampled, but USB isn't, does that mean it's the reclocking/resampling that's providing the magic? What's the rest of the optmization of hard drives/CPU/motherboard/power suppy etc etc etc that is touted with Audiophile servers DOING? |
@essrand Got it, understood. I’ll be trying the Grimm soon at home, I’m looking forward to it. If the improvement is minimal or subtle, I’ll stick with my simple NUC equivalent (small green computer). The Grimm appealed to me because it’s brains over brawn. No massive power supply or 100 lb chassis, the claimed magic is all in the clock and FGPA, and it’s modular and upgradable over time (including via internet software updates), unlike so many other brands. They claim that their clock/software eliminates the sound difference between PCM and DSD (but not via USB). I haven’t verified that but it’s an interesting claim. |
+1 @metaldetektor I'll add that they have also 'optimized' their SMPS and it's application (and a reason for the low weight factor).
Looking forward to your impressions with the MU1.
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@david_ten excellent point, and will do (may take me a few weeks). Switching power supplies can be controversial, but I’ve heard some excellent digital products that rely on them, like the Weiss and Meitner DACs (Mola Mola also uses a switching supply). So I’ll be going in with an open mind/ears. |
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