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Music Server Advice

I’m an analog guy moving up the digital path and I’m asking for some help from my AGon colleagues with my next move. I currently use an Intel NUC/Rock to run Roon feeding an Esoteric D-05x. It really sounds good! If this sub $700 NUC sounds this good, I’m keen on discovering what can be had in the $4K to $7K range (New or Used) to replace the NUC/Rock. (I’m not letting go of the D-05x!) I’ve used Roon since its inception but I’ve tried other apps from time to time, most recently the Aurender App as well as Innuos, JRiver, and Audvirana.

Recently owned/auditioned:

Aurender N10 - Loved the sound, hated the App (to be fair I was comparing to Roon)

Innuos Pulse - Lots of detail no soul. Couldn’t listen to very long, fatiguing

Auralic Altair G1 - Mid Fi. traded in for Esoteric/added NUC Rock

Under Consideration:

- Go back to the N10 and get used to their app

- Aurender N200...get used to their app

- Antipodes...

- 432evo

I’m open to suggestions!

Digital: NUC/Rock - Esoteric D-05x - Esoteric F-05 - Wilson Sohia.

Listen to 95% Jazz.

Appreciate all responses in advance!

Ag insider logo xs@2xcommunique1
kennyc
1,182 posts
 

At $7.5k, the 432 EVO Aeon Music Server got great reviews, the TAS reviewer purchased his loaner.  Seems to sonically punch above its price point.  I was considering stepping up from my Innuos Zenith Mk3.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
communique1 OP
64 posts
 

Thanks to everyone for their gracious input. Once I got word that Aurender will include Roon integration as an option in a few months, I decided on the N200.

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

I got word that Aurender will include Roon integration as an option in a few months

Really? Aurender have said they will never ever integrate Roon for years now. And have been very vocal and firm about Roon. I am surprised. What was your source, can you share?

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
communique1 OP
64 posts
 

Got from a few Aurender dealers. (Not sure they want to be published at this time.) Reach out to your Aurender dealer for more on this. Just sharing in the thread that I started. My hesitation with Aurender was the lack of Roon integration. Once I got "the word," pulling the trigger was an easy decision.  My info revealed that the new intel chip made this possible and more than likely won't be retro to older Aurender products. But no definite confirmation of the last point.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,055 posts
 

@communique1 

Good call, enjoy your N200! 

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