DAC for Aurender N200

@vthokie83 Seems @fthompson251 has essentially the same setup I do (Aurender-Coda-Legacy), so it makes sense that I start with the Denafrips rig offered by @audioman58. Just hope he is still selling these when my left ear has been fixed so I can hear the differences. Terminator had dropped off my short list after the Vinshine fiasco, but learning about Audioman58's dealership has brought me back. (That's assuming product support is still available in USA -- though my current DAC went to Canada for repair when under warranty).

@hickamore   What is your system, It isn't ;listed in virtual systems. Sounds like we are close!

@fthompson251 Never posted mine because doing so would be of no value to anyone -- it's a weird room neither worthy nor capable of replication. Also, because I know so little compared to the many experts here, I offer advice only on "beginner" questions, so it doesn't matter "where I am coming from." Your setup, on the other hand, would be very instructive as it is replicable. What you & I share is an affinity for Aurender, Coda, Legacy, Denafrips gear and their potential synergies.

I've heard the Aurender N200 with a Denafrips Terminator Plus R2R DAC, and an N10 with a Chord Hugo in other people's systems. I also have had the N10 and N200 in my system with a Denafrips Pontus II DAC. I must admit that to my ears, R2R DACs are my preference.

I did not enjoy the N10 with the Chord DAC, too bright and sibilant for me.....though I could see it being a good pairing in a "dark" system. I have found the same with other Chord DACs.

The N200 with a Denafrips Terminator Plus was absolutely brilliant, more detailed and revealing; but with all of that Denafrips R2R magic.....fun, dynamic, engaging, involving, enjoyable. I could live with that pairing without hesitation. The new Denafrips Terminator 15th at $6,100 is basically a Terminator Plus, and would probably be a good comparison as well.

In my system I really could not tell much difference between the N10 and the N200, both were wonderful with the Pontus II.....but nowhere as nice as the N200 & Terminator Plus combo my friend has. I did not have the Denafrips Iris DDC at the time, so I cannot comment on how that would've changed the demo if any.

@vthokie83   I think you got a chance to hear what I was talking about. Term 15th is a   T+, so essentially the same. It really works well together with the N200. I have the Hermes between them to go up another step with clock sync and I2s.