750$ Intel NUC vs $6000 Aurender N200: I don't hear the difference

{. . . }  does not think bargains exist, they just think the expensive one is over priced. There is a difference.

precisely my thought.  Its true that 'too good to be true' generally isn't rue, but let's be real - what do you think is inside that streamer?  A computer.  Maybe a NUC.  Maybe a Pi.  Maybe something else. A LPS, a nicely isolated SPDIF and USB interface. All well and dandy - bu you are paying a lot for it and the fancy faceplate (generally the fancy package is the single most costly part of any high end component, followed by power supplies).

Now, i do think that you ought to be comparing the price/cost to a NUC, +LPS, +isolation between the NUC and the USB I/F and if possible a separate power supply for the USB.  +Excellent clock if SPDIF is used and in source master mode.  That begins to add up.  But not to $6k

The isolation may well exist at the DAC's input. Not all methods of isolation are created equal - i believe in using a transformer to fully isolate including split grounds.  I have also found, and cannot explain, that even with most "isolated" USB inputs isolating the driving USB from the computer/Pi still makes a small, but real, difference.  My only explanation is that the isolation is good, but imperfect.

I re-iterate that a 3- layer solution with server, bridge and DAC is my preference (Roon core, roon bridge, roon endpoint). It forces more isolation and moves heavy processing away from the audio signal (processing = power draw = power supply and ground noise).

The new Pi4s are leagues ahead of Pi3s in terms of USB bus powering BTW.  Alas they still draw a LOT of power at startup, as do NUCs.  Like 2+ and 4+ amps respectively.  So actually i power the Pi in split mode - noisy side with SMPS and audio side with LPS (~< 0.5A)

@itsjustme 

With USB isolators, it is best to use a low leakage power supply, whether linear or switch mode. That could be why you are experiencing differences. Some of the USB isolators my also have built in DC-DC across the isolation barrier. The cheap ones do, but you can turn them off, but the circuitry may still be there. It is probably not an issue in almost all systems, but may be in some. No magic though, as you have shown, just common sense approach to the problem.

Wow, melton = melt down? Man take it easy. Don't have to be harsh on someone who is reporting their own findings. I think this is a great thread for folks interested in investing in streamers.

Can someone throw some light on why a dedicated streamer like Aurender/Lumin/Auralic might be better than a fanless NUC? What introduces the so called "noise" in the NUCs compared to the dedicated streamers. The reason I ask is because the streamers and NUCS both support some type of OS; which means the essential hardware has to be in place. And please note that this is NOT an "ASR type" question. I really mean to understand the differences.

I perceive server in much the same way as itsjustme. The majority of what you're paying for in off the shelf servers is r&d. Anyone with knowledge of computers and network can diy solution, the parts pretty similar. Implementation, the r&d of things is where differences are magnified. I recently saw, can't recall where, $35k server, amazing attention to every single little detail, quite possible this server would be revelation. Still, I couldn't account for $35k cost regardless of this maximum attention to detail.

Two considerations, performance and value, maximum performance doesn't care about price. Each of us has to determine value for ourselves. Ultimately, we all want maximum performance at minimum price. Determining maximum utility from streaming setup is so difficult, so many choices!

Every single process on motherboard produces noise. Every single cable, connector, LPS, switching power supplies, piece of equipment produces noise. Less than optimal home and equipment grounding, quality of AC are another source of noise. Noise is in form of EMI/RFI, also external sources such as wifi, cell phone towers, etc. I have Trifield Meter, can assure skeptics there is much RFI coming out of streaming equipment.

In speaking with guys at Uptone they mentioned speed of processors on motherboards, point being limiting time signal on motherboard important for sq. Incredible how far into the weeds one can go with this stuff.