Aurender integrated streamer/DACs
Does anyone have experience with any of the mid-to-upper-level Aurender units that feature integrated DACs and how do they compare with comparably-priced outboard DACs? Understanding DAC voicing can be a matter of preference, I am also considering a dedicated Roon Core built of JCAT components feeding either a Weiss 502 or the new PS Audio DSD when that becomes available.
Bonus question: looking at this another way (assuming the DACs referenced above are superior to a built-in Aurender DAC), how would a nicely spec'd Roon Core compare with an Aurender Server/Streamer?
Please answer only on in terms of sound quality only. I believe the UI will work fine for me, whether it is Conductor or Roon. Thanks very much!
Aurender support is looking into it, I will report back when I hear back from them. I am using Linn standard interconnects https://www.linn.co.uk/us/speakers/accessories/black-interconnects. |
@gsomin Yes. That’s exactly what I’m saying given the other components in your system. The DAC in the Aurender is a bottleneck and your system will reward you greatly with a better standalone DAC. You can continue to use the Aurender as a streamer, but your system is crying out for a better DAC IMHO. |
I am sure no one said the Aurender DAC is bad. I’ve not heard that. But I have also not heard tremendous praise for it. So, I am sure it is a good DAC. Most of us that are dedicated to high end sound buy separates… Streamer and DAC. Typically separates at the same level will sound a bit better. Also, you get greater flexibility with separates. You can choose those that sound more to your liking. Also, much easier to upgrade.
Typically when a component breaks in, the sound will mellow, bass become more accurate and the soundstage will open up. I noticed you mentioned cymbals. When the soundstage opens, it is likely the individual instruments will become more obvious. But your choice of words continues to make me think you are missing overly trebly / harsh high frequency. When I was upgrading in the first couple decades of pursuing the high end, I noticed the “treble” was decreasing with system upgrades. it started to worry me. So I went on a crusade to listen to real treble… I listened to real cymbals, piano, etc. to my surprise, what was disappearing was the sssssh… it was high frequency hash and distortion… leaving the unadulterated sound of brass. When the unit is broken in… listen to some big bells, and cymbals. Does the Aurender sound more like brass? Maybe it sounds more natural. That is good. Btw, I owned Olympic 3’s for many years. Great, natural sounding speakers.
Hope I said something helpful here. |
“The DAC in the Aurender is a bottleneck” And you know this from direct experience with A200 in your system? |
@lalitk No, and fair point. But is the DAC in the A200 comparable to a Denafrips Terminator or the like? I think not, and I stand by my assertion that the level of the OP’s system deserves a better standalone DAC. I mean, the guy’s got about $25k invested in excellent electronics and speakers, and you think his best option is to use the internal DAC in a $6k streamer??? Have you compared the internal DAC of the A200 to higher-end DACs? I can’t imagine it’d fare very well. I could be wrong, but again I think not. His system deserves and requires a better DAC. I think @ghdprentice who’s very well versed in Aurender and excellent DACs may back me up on this. But again, I could be wrong. |
