Aurender N10

Thank you mikemeeks. I watched/heard on my #2 system a YouTube video comparing AES/EBU with SP/DIF coax. The Brit reviewer opened with the premise that both are superior to USB. Like you, he was using Levinson amp and both test cables were Audioquest of equal grade. All he did was A/B on the Levinson input selector with same tracks.

Both he and you have shown that I was wrong in simply chasing after better USB. Which is something I really needed to know. The field has narrowed ;-)

As far as USB goes, it really depends on how good the USB receiver board is within the DAC.  If is is using an Amanero board, then you can definitely get really good sound out of a USB connection. The Amanero board has to receive the USB data and then clock the data at the proper samping rate before sending i2s data to the DAC chip. 

Of course, a cheap USB cable is going to sound crappy just like S/PDIF cables.

With S/PDIF on the other cable tables, the A10 has to clock the sampling rate and then send the pulses in exact timing for the audio file (such as 44.1khz, 96khz, etc.). 

You can get some pretty damn good S/PDIF cables (think Nordost Heimdall or better, or Transparent Audio or Purist Audio Design.

@hickamore,

Without a doubt N10’s SPDIF and AES/EBU audio outputs are superior over its USB output due to signal from these outputs being regulated by one of the finest on-board OCXO clock. I’ve used both of these outputs for a very long time with DAC’s prior to acquiring EMM Labs DA2.

@auxinput makes a good point about USB implementation in your DAC. I have used couple of DAC’s with N10 that did not have SOTA
DA2’s meticulous and superb implementation of DSD and USB. In that setup, N10 shines via SPDIF and AEX/EBU output. But with DA2 DAC, I am unable to tell the difference between USB and SPDIF or AES outputs. For the sake of convenience and simplicity (one less $$$ digital cable) I am now listening N10 through USB only as it supports wide variety of resolutions without the hassle of switching back and forth between PCM and USB.

Another fine example of SOTA USB implementation in a server/ renderer is Innuos Statement but it cost almost twice as much. You can get a less expensive server in Innuos line up and add USB re-clocker to get as close to Statement performance but then you’re also looking at extra shelf space, USB and Power cables.

I have yet to find another renderer that can rival N10’s superlative sound quality, exquisite build, versatility and superb Conductor app.

As noted above, the Aurender N10 Music streamer supports BOTH USB and AES/EBU digital output connections to my DAC.  

I prefer the AEB/EBU digital connection (a high priority for me).   Based on my switching back and forth, my ears always prefer the AEB/EBU connection.  For me, the music sounds better when I use the AES/EBU connection.   I use the Kubala-Sosna Emotion AES/EBU cable, balanced XLR from my Aurender N10 to my Bricasti M21 DAC.

I also use the Audience Au24 SE+ USB Cable (Single connections at each end but used two wires) for my USB Connection but rarely use it.  

I agree with @lalitk that the Aurender N10 Music Server is outstanding.  It has excellent sound quality, great build quality and an easy to use interface.  The Aurender Conductor App is simple to use and makes finding your music very easy.   

Thanks, everyone! So many variables. Sadly, DACs like the DA2 are well beyond my budget. Some of the cables mentioned are rather daunting in themselves. If the N10 can't be properly appreciated without $5K cables and $25K DACs, I'll need to lower my sights and head back to the bargain bin. Really appreciate your sharing of much useful information that I would never have learned without asking the veterans.