Lumin D2 or Aurender N100H

I use a D2 and don't love the Lumin app and user interface. If you're buying D2 to be used as a streamer, then no. The Wolfson DAC in it does sound very good though. I have the D2 connected to a tube stage and it has further enhanced my enjoyment of digital files. 

"Aurender caches and others buffer."

Now I see that ads, which kinda surprises me why others don't cache with the known advantages over buffering. Not questioning but wondering. Anyway, yea, if that makes significant difference, when the oppertunity arises I will, again, jump on a used N150.

Go for the Aurender. Some of the reasons why…

Aurender is a streamer only unit that utilizes a fairly large caching area and that helps with getting the signal as clean as possible out to the DAC; it has a USB output which means it will rely mostly on the processing inside the DAC; it has a lot more user friendly UI (Lumin is horrible in this regard)

Lumin D2 is a streamer with built in DAC that is why it only has spdif out. If you only need a streamer then get the N150

After hearing complaints on the use of N100, I decided to jump on the higher model N150 and 'almost' won the bid (around 2k).  I have seen the pricedrop but the market supply of used N150 stayed low.  

I bought a used N100SC a few years ago and had a ton of issues with it at first, but it has been 100% rock solid and reliable lately.  I'm not sure if it's because of software updates or a new router I had Verizon install, but something clearly changed and I no longer want to throw it in the trash.  I also installed a DH Labs cat 8 cable in place of a junk cable I had lying around which may have had something to do with it.  Maybe it was a combination. 

Love my Aurender N200. It sounds amazing and the app is very easy to use. One of my requirements was that the component didn't feel like using a computer. The Aurender does a great job of operating like a piece of hifi equipment. Highly recommend Aurender and the N100 is a great place to start. I'd prefer USB to BNC connector. Had a Sonic Frontiers DAC and there were far less cable choices than USB.

Thanks,

aldnorab 

Just found a blind test on Node and D2 w/ SBooster LPS, which exactly the same streamer setup I have an eye on.  With his friends five of them conclude there is no sonic difference bet. Node and D2 heard from the system he has for the audition, in terms of soundstage, treble, midrange and bass.  Although not expensive, I think this is a decent system that is capable of revealing details. Yes?

Krell 300i amp
B&W 801 D4
Kimber carbon cable 11 Gauge
All power plugs are audio quest hurricane
All interconnects are audio quest fire

https://community.roonlabs.com/t/blind-test-3000-lumin-d2-with-sbooster-sounds-the-same-as-a-600-bluesound-node/187123/57

My impression on the lower end (sub 1k) streamers is Node is at most on par with Ifi Zen Streamer that I am very familiar with. If Lumin D2 does not sound better, what is the point of upgrading?

I have seen more complaints here about Aurender than Lumin. Those that have had no problems extoll the virtues of spending so much coin but that don't change the facts.

I own two Aurrender. I still have my N100 (it may be an H)… it sounds great and has performed flawlessly for many years.

Many people praise Aurender. I bought an N100H new from an authorized dealer and it was not a good experience. Hardware issues, software issues, and support from just one guy at Aurender ("Ari") whose "remedies" included things I'd told him I'd already tried. I finally dumped it at a loss. Good riddance.

Wolfson ’s ARE enjoyable and it does Room if that’s your thing.

Any differences in the streaming.engines is so minimal that I am not concerned.