Node2i to Aurender N100SC…WoW!

@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.

@dhite71  - i know what you mean about digital not being pleasing sometimes.   I've been a tube and vinyl guy for more than 50yrs.  But with the improvements in digital in just the last few years I guess my ears are becoming more foregiving. Or even more likely I've gotton too lazy to get up every 15 minutes :-)

@jl1ny Congrats on your Aurender purchase, they are definitely the reference when it comes to streaming/storage.

Sad your thread got hi-jacked by the Aurender haters as so many do.

Keep the faith and ignore the distractors. I have a N20...superb.

I went from a Vault2 using their internal DAC, to using the Vault with an external DAC, big improvement, then I upgraded the Vault to an Aurender N200 with the outboard DAC. Very happy with the improvements that each change gave me. Each was a step up and well worth it.  

Yes, I see lots of haters for brands such as PS Audio, McIntosh and Aurender. Some on B&W speakers also.