Aurender N20 Streamer & Holo May DAC vs Analog

+1 for SOIX suggestion

100 hours is way too early on the May DAC, I wouldn’t start critical listening until at least 300, many recommendations are for 500….I have heard the Holo Audio May DAC KTE create magic in mine and other systems, but not at your equipment level

@vonhelmholtz 

Is there an advantage to an external clock when the Aurender already has a quality clock and the May hasn’t any clock input? Is Silver critical with USB?

A 10 mHz external clock helps the internal clock be more accurate. It makes a big difference. It is not essential to have a clock input/output on your DAC but the Terminator Anniversary kills two birds with one stone.

Silver USB works very well for me but USB cables seem to vary wildly in performance to cost.

As @soix said put your best analogue cables on your digital rig and compare.

However you need a few months for everything to burn in.

@lordmelton

I have the same analog cables from DAC to preamp and phono preamp to preamp, but I have higher quality power cables on all components, but only Audioquest Delta NR on Aurender.

The N20 is very sensitive to power cables. Use the best you have.

The Holo springs May KTE is a far better dac in absolute terms  but is not a streamer , the Aurender is nice ,they are known much more for their  streaming 

many guys buy a high end dac, then get a good streamer  the dac by far is the most important part of the system ,for all music starts there ,Good or bad , 

the speakers too equally. Important  .i have over 40 years as a Audiophile and. Owned a Audio store  Spending on a top quality dac the New Denafrips Terminator + 12 th anniversary is a bit better still .