Node2i to Aurender N100SC…WoW!
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- 22 posts total
I will first of all say that vinyl is my preferred source. I love my analog setup and always prefer the sound over streaming. Sometimes it is close and typically it is significantly better Right after ordering the open-box N100SC, there was an N10 for sale here that was just a few more $ so I bought it. I returned the N100SC without opening. I got the N10 setup on Monday afternoon and my first impression was impressive. There was no doubt it improved the sound over my Node2i. The more I listened the less I was impressed. I really wanted to be blown away but after a couple days realized I was not. I also don't do a lot of critical listening with streaming. When I am doing housework, cooking or just moving around the house doing other things I will often stream. When I am sitting in my music room, I typically play records. I decided it I could not justify the cost. It also made it where a new digital cable was going to be required as my 0.5m was now not long enough. This added expense further made my decision. I posted it yesterday afternoon and was sold within a few hours and my net after all the dust settled was +$8...LOL I am very happy I tried it out and maybe another time in my life I will appreciate that upgrade more. It was disappointing and made me wonder about my hearing. I hear other upgrades quite easily. I recently went from a Schiit Gumby to Yggy and that was noticeable. I soon after that found a DAC8 to match my other AR gear so got it and was even more of an upgrade and did more for my system than the N10 did over the Node. I have made advancements in my turntable that were also significant like I recently got a Kiseki Purple Heart to replace my Benz Micro Wood SM. That was a huge improvement. Oh well....like I said, another time maybe but it's great how the Aurender products are helping out everyone else. They are gorgeous with an incredible build quality. |
@dhite71 - so at first you were impressed but then not. This is very discouraging as I was ready to upgrade my Node with the N100SC. Lost the bid so now I guess I'm happy. I too use vinyl as my primary source. Pretty good setup too. But I am also impressed with my Node and recently aquired Pontus II. I was (and stiil am) expecting the Aurender to take it up to the next level. Could you elaborate a little bit more? Could it be that unless your digital is absolutely as good as your analog its just not good enough? I've had the purple heart and I can't imagine an analog setup with that cartridge making a pretty good digital setup not worth holding onto. |
@jl1ny - Yes, the DAC8 is my only DAC now so I was comparing the N10 to the Node 2i both delivering the signal with the same Cardas Clear Coax. I reactivated my account with Qobuz for this as I have been using Amazon with my Node2i. With the Node2i, I was unable to hear much difference between Amazon hi-res and Qobuz. This too seems to be unanimous in our circle that Qobuz is superior...so I may not be the best judge for streaming. This stuff is so darn subjective and I don't mean to discredit your experience in any way nor question your upgrade. I really think statistically I am the outlier here and should probably be removed from the data set LOL.
@marco1 - To continue my above response, don't let my experience stop you from giving Aurender a chance in your system. I have been a vinyl guy for about 15 years and a tube guy for the past 5. Solid state and streaming are often not as pleasing to my ears. That DAC8 really elevated my streaming in a way that sounds less 'digital/solid state' even though it does not have any tubes on board. I believe I was expecting too much out of this upgrade and simply was not going to be happy with that investment so I checked my option to walk away and it was there immediately. There was a really nice guy looking for a black N10 and the deal was done. I am super happy with my analog and the streaming does all I need at this point. |
- 22 posts total