Streamer? Aurender's "caching streaming" ? how important is this feature?

I've been advised that my node is the weak link in my system

wondering how I can get a significant upgrade without getting into X1 territory

the two most inexpensive options at the moment appear to be a aurender 100h and/or lumin u2 mini with upgraded power supply

a local seller has a used 100h for 1200 usd

is that a good deal?

I would add Bricasti to your list.  

@audiocanada @oddiofyl 

I have the Aurender N200 for about 4 months. Love it. The 100h is a good deal, but if you want to store your digital music on it, make sure 2TB is enough for you. Yes, 2TB is a lot of music, but I managed to collect more and therefore went with an N200. 

@audiocanada The N100H is a good price for a used unit, but it is also Aurender's most entry level component, was introduced in 2015, and is now discontinued. I would encourage you to look into the Aurender N150 or N200, which were both released in the last year. While the price difference is somewhat significant ($3500 and $6000 USD respectively), the N200 delivers at the caliber of the Lumin X1 you mentioned (The X1 has a DAC, the N200 does not), whereas the N150 is a step down at a much more accessible price range.

Significant advancements have been made to improve the sound quality across these newer units. Moore's law takes into effect here, so plan to invest in a solution that will last you for the years to come over a unit that has already been out for closer to a decade.

In full disclosure I am an authorized Aurender dealer.