Aurender N10

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.

“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.”

@hickamore,

No one said that N10 cannot be appreciated with lower priced DAC’s or cables. You came out here asking for a validation on manufacturer claim about its SPDIF / AES output superiority over USB and that’s exactly you heard from users that are intimately familiar with its strengths. 

Let me ask you a straightforward question, if were you pursue this player, what DAC you had in mind to pair with N10? 

@hickamore, Sorry, I do not understand.  Your original question was about SPDIF and AES/EBU connections vs. using an USB connection.   I answered your question and said, in my opinion, I felt that an AES/EBU connection sounded better than a USB connection.   This was based on my listening experience.

I never mentioned $5,000 cables or a $25,000 DAC are required to enjoy the Aurender N10.  I do not believe that anyone else said you had to spend that much to enjoy the N10.  I have since upgraded but the first DAC I used with my N10 was the Ayre Codex DAC priced at $1,795.   It sounded terrific.  

As I stated, I highly recommend the Aurender N10 and that super expensive cables, DAC's, etc. are NOT required to enjoy the musically of this wonderful music server.  I hope this convinces you to audition the Aurender N10 Music Server.   

Ah, thanks. You certainly did answer my original question and I'm grateful for it. latik, I was thinking of the Schiit Yggdrasil or something non-upsampling under $5k. hgeifman, if a less esoteric DAC and cables will allow the Nten (this kb has lost its "one" key) to show its stuff, then I'm all in. So now the obvious question for those willing to answer is, apart from the Ayre, what other DACs under $5K would mate well with the Aurender?