I will first of all say that vinyl is my preferred source. I love my analog setup and always prefer the sound over streaming. Sometimes it is close and typically it is significantly better
Right after ordering the open-box N100SC, there was an N10 for sale here that was just a few more $ so I bought it. I returned the N100SC without opening. I got the N10 setup on Monday afternoon and my first impression was impressive. There was no doubt it improved the sound over my Node2i. The more I listened the less I was impressed. I really wanted to be blown away but after a couple days realized I was not.
I also don't do a lot of critical listening with streaming. When I am doing housework, cooking or just moving around the house doing other things I will often stream. When I am sitting in my music room, I typically play records.
I decided it I could not justify the cost. It also made it where a new digital cable was going to be required as my 0.5m was now not long enough. This added expense further made my decision. I posted it yesterday afternoon and was sold within a few hours and my net after all the dust settled was +$8...LOL
I am very happy I tried it out and maybe another time in my life I will appreciate that upgrade more. It was disappointing and made me wonder about my hearing. I hear other upgrades quite easily. I recently went from a Schiit Gumby to Yggy and that was noticeable. I soon after that found a DAC8 to match my other AR gear so got it and was even more of an upgrade and did more for my system than the N10 did over the Node. I have made advancements in my turntable that were also significant like I recently got a Kiseki Purple Heart to replace my Benz Micro Wood SM. That was a huge improvement. Oh well....like I said, another time maybe but it's great how the Aurender products are helping out everyone else. They are gorgeous with an incredible build quality.
