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Aurender N-200 Compatiblity with DACS. Is this a thing?

More specifically, I'm looking for a Dac for my new Aurender N200 streamer.  I noticed on Aurender's website they have a list of compatible Dacs.  I'm considering  a used Berkely Alpha Series 2 Dac, although, no Berkeley dacs are listed as compatible.  I didn't realize compatibility was a thing when matching considering a dac.  I'm not talking about how they sound together but specifically functionality of the two components.

 

Second questions:  The Conductor app that Aurender uses has a volume control button but when I try to use it I get the message, Volume control not available.  What's up with that?  Does the volume control button only work with their streamer/dac machines?  Not being able to control the volume from my phone is deal breaker.

malatu
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vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

I have my doubts as to if compatibility is really an issue.  I purchased a Holo May DAC KTE and then added an Aurender N20.  They are connected via a Shunyata Sigma AES/EBU and it sounds amazing.  I may search for a USB cable, but the AES bested the USB cables that I tried.  BTW this is the first that I’ve heard about a compatibility list.

lordmelton's avatar
lordmelton
877 posts
 

The compatibility issue, I believe lays in the fact that the Berkeley doesn't have a USB input unless you buy a separate box.

Aurender only provides volume control on it's "A" series products which include a DAC and pre-amp.

The reason for this is "bit-stripping" which occurs when volume is controlled in the digital domain.

This is a very complicated and disputed subject but for the best sound quality consider adding a pre-amp to your system.

However in the meantime take a look at a DAC with a digital volume control until you get a pre-amp.

An excellent DAC that I use with my N20 is the Musetec 005, about $3k.

ghdprentice
7,241 posts
 

Aurender are great streamers. It is all they do. They are solid investments for the money. I have ushered a Berkeley DAC with my Aurender, fantastic combination. 
 

About the volume control. This is not where you want to control the volume. You want to do it at the preamp / system level.

 

I have been streaming for over a decade and using Aurrender for more than 4 years. I have two. See my profile.

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