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Aurender's "Sound"

Just picked up an Aurender N100H. Great unit. However it's a bit on the warm and dark side, which doesn't sit well with my Pass class A amp. It's like a double whammy of warmth. Great for vocals, but hard to rock out on. But I like the unit and am trying to keep it.

Would love it if I could find a simple way to address this, like with a different USB cable to lighten things up a bit. 

If it comes to it, I might give up the Pass for something more neutral, as nice as this amp is it's not the best for music on the more lively side, or rock. (My tastes and opinions.) Even considering a class D amp like Nord, which is pretty much dead neutral which could peel back some of that warmth and darkness.

So is this a digital question, amp question or cable question? Yes to all.

Has anybody else encountered this double whammy of warmth, and what was the fix. Thanks all.
jaybe
Post removed 
instlouis's avatar
instlouis
91 posts
 
I ran my Aurender X100L into a Berkley Alpha USB using an Analysis Plus Purple Plus USB and from the Berkley Alpha XLR digital out using a Kimber AGDL into my PS Audio Direct Stream DAC  to my Pass x2.5  Pre using Kiimber Hero XLRs to my Pass X250.5 Amp and the music (HDD, Qubuz, Tidal ) became incredibly excellent. 
( I played with several USB connects before settling on the Analysis Plus Purple Plus . The Oyaide Neo d+ Purple was right there also for good clean tight rock & roll.   ) 

Keep the Pass Amp !  

Happy Listening... 

toddcowles
135 posts
 
I run the Aurender N100H, along with Pass XA60.5's, XP-20, DEQX PreMate, Harbeth SHL5+'s and a PS Audio DirectStream for a DAC.  I ended up selling the XP-20, and I go direct from the N100 to my DAC.  It sounds organic and neutral, to me.  It's "lively" enough, but not forward leaning in any one category.  I tend to lean towards a warmer/neutral sound.

I use a DH Labs Mirage for a USB, Audioquest interconnects and speaker cables.  For power I use Shunyata cabling, along with a Nordost QX4 and QB8.  

FWIW, ultimately, I believe you've got to get the unit burnt in and go from there.  
jaybe OP
735 posts
 
Agree burn-in has to happen. Still ongoing. Hopefully make a difference. Going to play with cables as well. Thanks everyone.
dpac996's avatar
dpac996
690 posts
 
@jaybe What speakers? What model Pass amp?

I had an Aurender N-10 for a bit; I really liked it and preferred the COAX connection to my DAC at that time; I found it be very neutral and organic, perhaps a tad soft. I think I understand your original dilemma; I would have kept it and experimented with different cables, as it was a gorgeous machine inside and out, but I ultimately missed Roon too much; 
Pass amps will basically take on the character of your other stuff in the system. I have found significant "warming" for instance with Wire World power cables and especially an Audience PC (did not like that); 
Cables can make or break your synergy; I have learned this lesson a few different times. Pass amps are pretty amazing and tough to "beat"; you can definitely get a different signature but again its probably much easier to change a cable here or there;
If you are using Audience cables on Pass try taking that off and use the original IEC cable Pass came with-- you might be surprised.
One more thing: when is the last time you cleaned/polished the contacts of speaker cable connections, and others (interconnects)? I found a very effective improvement by using Zu Audio cleaning products and even made the 12AWG copper all shiny again on the AC Romex ends connected to the receptacle. I was shocked by how much black-ish crud came off the exposed copper. restores top end shimmer significantly if you are finding any dullness. Consider doing it, you might be in for a real surprise. :)
Don't toss that Pass yet!



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