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.
“the Node is good enough to discover new artist via streaming” I agree, if one’s purpose from streaming is to discover music then a Node, Raspberry Pi or Allo Digi One type of devices are more than adequate. Tidal offers FREE access to their 90+million song catalog to all those who wants to use streaming for discovering music. |
I believe many will agree with this comment if you honestly can’t hear a difference. It would make no sense to buy the more expensive component if no sonic improvement is heard. There are many listeners however who do clearly hear unequivocally better sound quality. Lots of people got into streaming initially with the lower cost, entry level type of audio streamer. They subsequently have found much better sound quality with higher level dedicated audio servers/streamers. The audible difference is as clear as can be based on their listening experience. @malibu457 , what are some of the higher price music servers/network players you’ve compared with Node and found no improvement in sound quality? Again, if you have done this and there’s no improvement to be had, you are wise to stick with your current Node streamer. Charles |
The Wiim Pro is out and flying. Audiophile-grade with coax and optical out, bit perfect with hi res. $150 If USB is a necessity this won't be your cup of tea to test. Add some LPS and fiber, and let’s duel it out. 🤹🏼 No regrets here at this cost of entry. They are available via Amazon and are making a wave. Understandably with excellent software, frequent updates, and great performance. If you're in the streamer consideration arena, worth a listen. |
@malibu457 - That's only worth it if you have great equipment to play back those lossless files. How are you doing that? |
