Node2i to Aurender N100SC…WoW!

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 

Thats a shame it didn’t work out for you. So you were using the N10 with a ARC DAC8 and there wasn’t a substantial improvement over the Node2i? I’m curious to know, what USB or Coax cable were you using? The DAC8 is a fantastic unit.

@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.  

@dhite71 

All good! Prior to obtaining the Aurender, I had listened to a Lumin and didn’t find much of a difference over the Node2i. At the same time, I had a ARC Dac7 and prior to obtaining the Terminatior, I demoed a few different dacs that did absolutely nothing for me so it is, what it is.