Auralic vs Aurender

I am also considering both. Using an Oppo currently just as a streamer. It’s good but the OPPO app keeps losing connection. I need a streamer that’s more stable that ha s better Tidal interface. The Auralic Aries Mini or a  Aurender 100SC

As per my above post, I recently upgraded my Aurender N10 Server to the Aurender N20 Music Server.

My Aurender N20 Music Server is installed and working great.  The N20 is supplied WITHOUT hard drives installed. This means hard drives are the customer’s choice. Each of the two rear panel mounting sleds accommodates a 1, 2, 4 or 8TB 2.5-inch SSD or up to 5TB 15mm height 2.5inch HDDs. Since users have different storage requirements, Aurender feels this is the best way to satisfy everyone.  Aurender recommends Samsung EVO (I used Samsung EVO) or QVO series internal SSD drives, and Western Digital or Seagate HDDs.

The SSD Disk installation means you loosen the screws on the back of the unit, pull out the slot, insert the SSD, push in and tighten the screws (top slot is Music1).  After I installed the SSD, I went to the Conductor App, settings, disk information tab to format the SSD (please see instruction links below).   If, for some reason, the format command does not appear, please POWER DOWN and turn the electrical power off and restart manually.  Restarting takes time because the N20 has UPS circuitry inside.

I checked for software updates on the N20 (there were none) and deleted my old Conductor App and installed a new copy from the App Store on my iPad.   For startup purposes, the N20 displays a six-digit code that must be entered into the Conductor App.   

My new N20 sounds excellent. The music is clearer, the bass is better, has more air and it has more musical details. The overall musical presentation is much improved.  I am listening to jazz now and the SQ is much improved.  

You know the music is great when I am typing a message and music catches my attention and forces me to look up.  This unit is truly outstanding.  I am very impressed. Cranking the volume and this unit is truly amazing. It is much improved over the N10.  The music has more feeling and depth.

I copied my albums from my LaCie external hard drive (backup drive) to the N20 okay.  I also ran the scanner, scan for newly added files, so all my albums appeared okay.  This worked perfectly.  Please note the scan for newly added files takes time to run (watch for messages on your App).  

A miracle!  Next, I restored my music1/backup and all my Qobuz links were returned. This is needed since my main library includes BOTH my stored CD’s and Qobuz links.  Previously, I used the backup my Music1 tab and also copied all my albums to my LaCie external hard drive.  For this step, I restored my settings from Music1/backup file.  This is a required step to ensure all my QoBuz related links were restored.  

In summary, the N20 sounds terrific.  I really like it.  This is a substantial sound quality improvement.  I find the Conductor App very easy to use and find albums to play.   I can very easily navigate between m stored CD albums, QoBuz and Internet radio stations.   

The Aurender N20 Music Server is highly recommended.    

Which output from the N20 are you using and to what dac ? thanks

@wjt3,  My Aurender N20 is connected to my Bricasti M21 DAC using both the USB connection and the AES/EBU connection.   After many listening, tests, I used the AES/EBU connection all the time (99%).   The Bricasti M21 DAC has several options but I use the ladder DAC setting all of the time because it sounds the best.  

My cables are the Audience Au24 SE+ USB Cable, one meter, Single connections at each end but two wires and the Kubala-Sosna Emotion AES/EBU cable, Balanced XLR (1 cable), 1.5 meters length.  

I use the Kubala-Sosna Expression Interconnect Cable (2 cables), XLR connections, 1.5 meter length to connect to my SimAudio 700i V2 integrated amplifier.   

   

When I was searching for a streamer, my top 3 choices were Lumin, Innuos and Auralic. I was interested in ones that could run Roon, so Aurender was not considered. I ended up with the Auralic Aries G2.1 from an authorized dealer. I installed a 2Tb Samsung EVO SSD with the assistance of instructions from the same dealer’s website. The Aries G2.1 also has a copper enclosure which required the removal of 10 more Torx screws. Overall, it was an easy install. Over time, I realized that Roon wasn’t better sounding than using Auralic’s Lightning DS software, so I didn’t renew Roon. The support of the Auralic community/forums, recent software and firmware upgrades and the sound quality have made me a satisfied camper. Of course my Holo Audio May KTE DAC helps too.

I think in the end, you’ll end up with an excellent streamer whether it’s an Auralic or Aurender. There is a dealer in So Cal that offers both brands, so they may be able to share their impressions. I’ve bought quite a few vacuum tubes from them, and they have been helpful. BTW, my Auralic dealer offers a 2 weekend in home trial. Happy listening!