Lot's of interesting comments. I can just share my personal experience with Aurender N100H (4TB) WITH Tidal through Nordost Blue Heaven (2 meter) USB cable into Classe Sigma SSP and the results are audibly stunning. I have A/B'd against my EAD T-1000 transport via coax, dedicated imac mini with iTunes and Amarra via USB (both Nordost, MIT and Audioquest USB cables) as well as via Bel Canto USB to Coax converter into Classe and Wadia and finally using my old Wadia D/A with glass fiber optic. While far from definitive and having not tried everything under the sun, I can only say that:
From a user friendliness, the Aurender Conductor App is a dream.
Musically, I couldn't be happier.
I believe most Aurender dealers offer a money back policy if you're not completely satisfied. They probably couldn't afford to do this if they had very many unsatisfied customers. The Aurender is not better in any area, it is better in all areas than all of my other combinations--bass control and extension; detailed without harshness highs; more convincing 3D soundstage; and most importantly--far more musical and natural sounding...more analogue like. I recommend without reservation. Good luck!
From a user friendliness, the Aurender Conductor App is a dream.
Musically, I couldn't be happier.
I believe most Aurender dealers offer a money back policy if you're not completely satisfied. They probably couldn't afford to do this if they had very many unsatisfied customers. The Aurender is not better in any area, it is better in all areas than all of my other combinations--bass control and extension; detailed without harshness highs; more convincing 3D soundstage; and most importantly--far more musical and natural sounding...more analogue like. I recommend without reservation. Good luck!