2. digital
  3. 181468-164802

Streamer upgrade? follow up.

I posted the first part of this earlier in the week. There are a few other threads running concurrently here about this same subject.This is my personal experience with this situation.Ive been using a Aurender A100 streamer/dac which is they’re entry level unit, the SQ wasn’t horrible but I was pretty sure I could get it better.In a attempt to do that I purchased a Denafrips Pontus two and a DhLabs Mirage Usb cable to use with the A100 utilizing its Usb out.The two local hi fi dealers here in SO Cal both told me this would not produce much of an result and in my opinion after trying it they were both correct. So… as I stated in the first post I was coming from a “bit is bits” perspective which was I was convinced adding a better Dac would accomplish my goals, I just couldn’t believe that the zeros and ones  could possibly effect the quality of sound. But not being one to give up I decided in for penny in for a pound Id see for myself if there was anything to the other side of this conversation, I wanted a new toy for Xmas anyway.So I traded my A100 plus some cash to TMR ( nice people btw) for a shiny new Aurender N200 which arrived yesterday. Last night the moment of truth, I hooked up the new unit with the exact same everything as before in my system nothing different but the streamer.I let the tubes and everything else warm up for a few hours,picked a song I knew inside and out sat down and pressed play. Immediately within the first few notes of the Stones “ Wild Horses “ I knew I had made the right choice and that I was wrong believing  bits are bits “. I really don’t have adequate language to describe the difference in sound quality other than to say I feel like Im in someone else’s home listening to they’re far superior system, its that drastic.I can with complete confidence say this has got to be one of if not the most significant upgrades Ive made in my system, scouts honor!              PS. Grinin ear to ear here.                                                            

bikeboy52
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@bikeboy52

I join others here in congratulating you and your very satisfying outcome with the acquisition of a higher tier digital source component. In my opinion the entire “bits are bits “ and it’s just “ones and zeros “ is misguided and ill conceived. The front end components in a digital (Analog as well) audio system are vitally important.

When I read posts on audio forums advising that “any cheap/budget level source is fine, just focus (Over emphasis) on the DAC.” This represents bad counsel and more often than not leads  to unsatisfactory results. It can’t be stressed enough that both source and DAC matter significantly.

I am glad you decided to improve the quality of your streaming/music server digital source. Your outcome speaks unequivocally loud and clear. The Aurender N200 is very appealing and is definitely under my consideration.

Charles

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
612 posts
 

@bikeboy52  First of all congrats on your Pontus II and N200. Coincidentally I am on the same quest as you. But, I already have the Venus II DAC as my foundation. I was pondering to either upgrade that to the Terminaor II or +, or to get the Aurender N200 first to upgrade my Cambridge CXN V2. Well your review has convinced me that the N200 is next man up! Thank you for this and enjoy your rig. Any power cords or cabling you can share as well that you are using with the Aurender? Coax or USB?

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@fthompson251 

I was pondering to either upgrade that to the Terminaor II or +, or to get the Aurender N200 first to upgrade my Cambridge CXN V2. Well your review has convinced me that the N200 is next man up! Thank you

Good move!

Charles

 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,801 posts
 

@bikeboy52

Next move, optimizing the Ethernet signal if you haven’t already done so. Please share, how’s your N200 is connected to modem or router including cabling. Thank you!

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,203 posts
 

I optically isolated my digital gear cheaply and effectively by using TP Link' s 2210MP Jetstream switch and two MC220L Media Converters with SFP fiber optic Converters  One for my Vault 2i and one for my Aurender N200.    Cost around $250 for everything.  Under $200 if you isolate one device.  

I originally got a pair of the MC220L but needed a better switch so picked up the 2210MP switch and used a media converter for each networked music player .

More to discover